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Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:19 (KJV)
“We love him, because he first loved us.”

“for thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:”
— Exodus 34:14

Devotional
God does not want a cold, distant relationship with you. He wants your heart. He loved you first—before you ever thought of Him, before you ever did anything for Him. Our love is simply a response to His.

Exodus 34:14 says God’s name is Jealous. This is not petty human jealousy; it is the holy insistence that the One who created and redeemed you has the right to your exclusive worship. Just as a faithful spouse is rightly jealous for the love of their partner, God is rightly jealous for your affection. He will not share your heart with idols—whether those idols are money, success, pleasure, or even other people.

Hosea 6:6 reminds us that God desires “mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” He wants more than your religious activity; He wants your love. True worship is not just outward form—it is inward affection poured out to Him who first loved us.

Reflection

  • What “other gods” tend to steal my affection and attention from the Lord?
  • Do I relate to God more as a distant ruler or as a loving Father who desires my heart?

Prayer
Loving Father,
We love Thee, because Thou didst first love us. Thank Thee for pursuing me with steadfast love. Forgive me for giving my heart to other “gods” and letting idols rise in my life. Thou art a jealous God, worthy of all my affection. Take first place in my heart. Teach me to express my love to Thee openly, sincerely, and daily.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action
Today, verbally tell God that you love Him—out loud and specifically. Then remove or limit one thing (a distraction, hobby, or habit) for the day, and use that time instead to talk with Him or read His Word as a way of giving Him your focused affection.