Item 1 in Two Great Commandments

Love God

Direct the whole of one's religious devotion, loyalty and life toward God.

Position
1
Form
Positive duty or instruction
Obligation
Mandatory
Wording status
Editorial paraphrase
Intended audience
Followers of Jesus
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Love God

Source wording

Editorial paraphrase: Direct the whole of one's religious devotion, loyalty and life toward God.

Editorial paraphrase

Literal meaning

Direct the whole of one's religious devotion, loyalty and life toward God.

Broader interpretation

This item should be interpreted within the historical purpose, intended audience and wider structure of its parent ethical framework.

Historical context

This item belongs to Two Great Commandments. First-century Christian tradition; Roman-era Judea.

Practical meaning

Practical application requires attention to intention, consent, evidence, rights, foreseeable effects and the needs of all persons or beings affected.

Ethical purpose

To shape conduct, judgment or character in a way consistent with the wider framework.

Exceptions and disputes

Religious devotion must not be used to justify harm to people who believe differently.

Variations across schools or traditions

Wording and interpretation may vary between translations, denominations, schools and historical periods.

Modern application

Modern application should distinguish the historical formulation from present legal, social and ethical conditions.

Criticism and difficult cases

Religious devotion must not be used to justify harm to people who believe differently.

Truth By Reason analysis

Truth By Reason assesses this principle through evidence, intentions, rights, foreseeable consequences, consistency and the treatment of all affected beings.

Ethical themes

  • Obedience
  • Worship

Sources