Article by AI Co-pilot and Ben Ross
Loving God is often seen as the foundation of faith, but what happens when you struggle to feel that love? Whether doubt, disappointment, or distance have made it difficult, learning to love God—even when you don’t feel inclined—requires patience, openness, and intentionality.
## 1. Start with Honesty
If you're struggling to love God, the first step is admitting it. Scripture reminds us that God desires sincerity rather than empty gestures. Psalm 51:6 says, *"Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom."* Being honest with God—expressing your frustrations, confusion, or indifference—is the beginning of a real relationship. He welcomes authenticity, not forced affection.
## 2. Seek to Understand Him
Often, the struggle to love God stems from misunderstandings about who He is. Some see Him as distant, harsh, or indifferent to human suffering, yet Scripture paints a different picture. In Jeremiah 31:3, God declares, *"I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness."* Studying His attributes—His mercy, justice, patience, and care—can help rebuild a deeper connection.
## 3. Focus on Gratitude
Even if you struggle with faith, consider what you can be thankful for. Gratitude is a pathway to love because it shifts the focus from what God hasn’t done to what He has. James 1:17 reminds us that *"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights."* Start listing small blessings—your health, opportunities, relationships—and reflect on how they reveal His presence.
## 4. Engage with His Word
Loving God often grows when you engage with His voice, found in Scripture. Even if reading the Bible feels empty at first, approaching it with curiosity rather than obligation can make a difference. Romans 10:17 says, *"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."* Exploring the Psalms, the Gospels, and passages about God’s character can gradually soften the heart toward Him.
## 5. Practice Love Through Action
Sometimes, love is nurtured through action rather than emotion. Jesus Himself emphasized that love for God is demonstrated through obedience and care for others: *“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”* (Matthew 22:37-39). Volunteering, forgiving, or simply choosing kindness can cultivate a love for God, even when it feels absent.
Conclusion
Loving God isn’t always a sudden emotional experience—it’s a journey. By being honest, seeking understanding, practicing gratitude, engaging with Scripture, and living out love through actions, you may find that love begins to grow, even when it initially felt impossible. And remember: God is patient. He doesn’t demand perfect love, only a willing heart ready to take the next step.
Ben:
I think we have to realize that there is no real justifiable reason to hate God. We need to seek Him and realize obedience is how we show love for God not just with only our emotions. God is love not just a Being but He is love itself. If you’re rejecting God, the problem is with you and not with God. But know God can change you and help you understand a situation that you don’t understand like losing a relationship or losing money or feeling like your life is not worth anything. God loves us first then wants us to respond to the love that He shows by loving Him back. We all experience things that are categorized by the word suffering, but Jesus suffered for you to have eternal life so maybe take a different look at what injustice you have experienced and choose to love God based off of what He has done for you on the cross and what He promises to do for you in the future if you stick with Him like rewards, living in the New Jerusalem, and a life without pain or sorrow(Revelation 21).
