Living in Increase (Part 2) - Increase in LoveSample

With All Your Strength

Now that we’ve discussed what it’s like to love God with our hearts and souls let’s discuss what it looks like to love God with our strength. The original Greek word for “strength” in Luke 10:27 is ischys, which means “ability, force, strength, [or] might.”

When I hear “strength,” I automatically think about the gym. My husband and I love going to the gym, and I’ve enjoyed learning how to exercise and strengthen my body. One crucial thing I’ve learned is that strength is built. The people who can lift heavier have earned that ability through training, discipline, and sacrifice. Building physical strength takes work, and building our spiritual strength also takes work.

When we love God with all our strength, we love Him with everything we have, even if we don’t have enough. To love God from our strength means pushing through obstacles and persevering. We push through the point of wanting to quit and continue to live for Him. We love God from our strength by training ourselves through God’s Word, disciplining ourselves to keep going, and sacrificing what we want for what He wants.

Here’s the truth: Even our best strength really isn’t strength at all. In 2 Corinthians, God says, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). So, if you really want to be strong, you must be weak. Where we’re vulnerable is where we experience the power of God. Paradoxical, right?

If you want to love God with your strength, you must be willing to admit that your power will only get you so far. You must realize where you’re weak and allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen you. Regardless of how you feel, you must choose to run to God in challenging times because this produces true and genuine perseverance (James 1:2-3)!

Emily N. Green

Action Step: Identify an area where you need help (emotionally, physically, spiritually, etc.). Text or call a friend and ask them to pray with you.