Cling to God. Love Others.
February is a month often associated with romantic love, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the greatest love of all—God’s love. Not only His love for us but also our love for Him and for others. Jesus speaks about this in Mark 12, and Ruth beautifully exemplifies it in the biblical book that bears her name.
The Greatest Commandments
When asked, “Which is the first [or foremost] commandment of all?” Jesus responded:
"The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
(Mark 12:29-31)
The first commandment Jesus cites comes from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, known as the Sh’ma—a confession of unwavering faith and devotion to Yahweh. The second commandment naturally flows from the first—when we truly love God, we are empowered to love others. Ruth’s actions and words serve as a powerful testament to these truths.
Ruth’s Covenant of Love
“Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you;
For where you go, I will go; And where you lodge, I will lodge;
Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God.
Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried.
The LORD do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.”
(Ruth 1:16-17)
Through her marriage to Mahlon, an Israelite from the tribe of Judah, Ruth came to know, trust, and commit herself to Yahweh. Her dedication remained steadfast even when Naomi urged her to return to her own family. Ruth’s declaration mirrors God’s covenantal language:
“I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.”
(Leviticus 26:12)
This is just one of many promises where God assures His people of His presence, protection, and deep devotion. The New Testament echoes this unbreakable covenant:
“…nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 8:39)
Loving Others in Our Daily Lives
We may not have a Naomi in our lives, but we all have neighbors. By embracing God’s covenantal love, we can follow Ruth’s example and love others as ourselves. But what does this look like in our modern world? It’s simpler than you might think.
This Valentine’s season, let’s put love into action together. Join me in a 10 Days of Love Challenge—a simple, yet impactful journey of sacrifice, compassion, and service.
10 Days of Love Challenge
Day 1: Pray for someone you know who is struggling.
Day 2: Write a heartfelt note of encouragement to someone who needs it.
Day 3: Sincerely compliment a stranger or a colleague.
Day 4: Cook or bake something to share with a neighbor.
Day 5: Share a favorite Scripture about love on social media.
Day 6: Pay for someone’s coffee or meal.
Day 7: Leave an anonymous gift to brighten someone’s day.
Day 8: Put together a small care package for someone in need.
Day 9: Spend intentional time with a family member who might feel overlooked.
Day 10: Share your testimony of God’s love with someone.
Join the Challenge! Download the guide below and Let’s commit to loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to loving others as ourselves. This Valentine’s season, let’s cling to God and pour out His love into the world around us.
