Discovering the Key to Loving the Lord More Deeply

Discovering the Key to Loving the Lord More Deeply

Have you ever wondered what truly ignites deep, genuine love for the Lord?

Many desire to grow in love for God but few realize that the key lies not in striving harder or trying to “feel” more spiritual, but in meditating deeply on the forgiveness God has given you.

This is a spiritual principle taught directly by Jesus Christ.

The Key: Grasping the Depth of God’s Forgiveness

Jesus teaches in Luke 7:47:

“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
Luke 7:47 (NKJV)

In this verse, Jesus responds to a Pharisee’s judgmental attitude toward a sinful woman who was weeping at His feet. Her great love was not what earned her forgiveness it was the result of realizing how much she had been forgiven.

This means that our love for God grows in direct proportion to our understanding of His grace toward us. When you realize how undeserving you were and how vast His mercy is your heart cannot help but overflow with love.

This isn’t merely emotional it’s transformational.

“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”
Romans 2:4 (NKJV)

An Example: A Debt Forgiven

Picture this:
Two people owe a debt one owes 500 shillings, and the other 500,000 shillings. Both are forgiven the full amount by the same person.
Who will be more grateful? Clearly, the one forgiven the larger debt.

Likewise, the more we recognize the size of our spiritual debt, the more we appreciate God’s mercy and the deeper our love becomes.

Jesus illustrated this truth in the Parable of the Two Debtors (Luke 7:41–43), which He shared just before verse 47.

The Theological Reality: All Have Sinned Greatly

Many people underestimate their sin because they haven’t committed “visible” or “scandalous” sins. But Scripture is clear:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23 (NKJV)

Sin is not just outwardnit includes thoughts, attitudes, desires, and things we’ve failed to do. Jesus taught that even lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:28), unrighteous anger (Matthew 5:22), and self-righteousness (Luke 18:11–14) are serious before God.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?”
Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV)

So even if you’ve never stolen or killed, think about:

The envy in your heart

The bitterness you’ve carried

The lies you’ve told

The pride you’ve entertained

The lustful thoughts you’ve hidden

The selfish decisions you’ve made

The foolish things you’ve done in secret or online

You deserved judgment. Yet God withheld it.

Jesus Took Your Place

Jesus didn’t just ignore your sin He bore it:

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows… He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities…”
Isaiah 53:4–5 (NKJV)

Your forgiveness wasn’t free it cost Jesus everything. He took your shame, guilt, and punishment. That’s grace.

If not for His mercy, you would already be eternally separated from God. This truth should humble us and awaken deep love and worship in our hearts.

**Why Did He Forgive You?**

Think about it:

Why did He choose to show you mercy?

What have you done to deserve it?

Are those who died in sin worse than you?

“It is through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22–23 (NKJV)

He saved you by grace alone, not because of any goodness in you (Ephesians 2:8–9). This should compel you to love Him with your whole heart.

Take Time to Reflect Deeply on His Forgiveness

Set aside time not just once, but regularly to meditate on the mercy of Jesus. This is how your heart is stirred to love and obey Him more.

King David understood this:

“If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.”
Psalm 130:3–4 (NKJV)

The fear of the Lord holy reverence comes from a revelation of His mercy. When you see what He has forgiven, you will desire to honor Him, not take Him for granted.