This question sounds simple, but it pierces the deepest part of the heart: Do I truly love God, or do I only love what He can give me? When life is going well, prayers are answered, and blessings are flowing, it is easy to say, “God is good!” But what about when answers to prayer have not come, doors seem closed, and God appears silent?
In Job 1:21, Job said, “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD!” This was not a casual remark. Job said it after losing almost everything his children, his wealth, even his health. Job proved that his love for God did not depend on what he received. His love was pure, not transactional.
Often without realizing it, we turn God into a kind of heavenly ATM. We are faithful when blessings flow, and we pray diligently when we want something answered. But once prayer is not answered as we hoped, the heart begins to drift away. This is the moment to examine ourselves: does our love for God depend on circumstances? Or do we still love Him because of who He is, not because of what He gives?
Jesus also once challenged His followers sharply. In John 6:26, after feeding the five thousand, many people came looking for Him again. But Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” They were not pursuing Jesus for His person, but for the fullness of the blessing.
Of course, God is pleased to give. He is a generous Father, and it is not wrong to ask Him. But true love does not depend on results. Like the relationship between a child and a father, a child loves because of closeness, not because of a toy.
In Deuteronomy 6:5, we are commanded, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” It does not say, “love God if His blessings are enough” or “if your life is going smoothly.” True love does not come with conditions.
Let us reflect: If all the good things were taken away, would I still love God? If the answer is “I don’t know” or “not necessarily,” that is not the end, but the beginning of an honest prayer: Lord, teach me to love You for who You are, not for what You give. Heal my heart from conditional love, and draw me closer to You. Amen.
