9 things that change in your life when you truly love God

When you truly love God, profound aspects of your life undergo a transformation.

This isn’t about going to church because you’ve always done it, or praying because it’s what your family expects.

This divine affection is a deep, abiding devotion that reshapes how you perceive and interact with the world around you.

In this article, we will delve into these 9 significant shifts – the things that change in your life when you truly love God.

Drawing from scripture and lived experiences, we will highlight the transformative power of divine love.

1) Perspective on life

When you truly love God, the first thing that changes is your perspective on life.

You see, when you love God deeply, your worldview begins to shift. You start seeing things from a different lens.

As a result, the world isn’t just about material possessions or personal achievements anymore.

Suddenly, life becomes about more than just surviving day-to-day. Instead, it transforms into a journey of spiritual growth and seeking God’s will in everything you do.

This new perspective brings a sense of purpose and direction. It can make life’s challenges seem less daunting because you’re not facing them alone. You have faith that God is guiding you.

Just remember, this isn’t about using God as an excuse to avoid taking responsibility for your actions. It’s about acknowledging that there’s a higher power guiding your life.

And that’s a powerful shift.

2) Relationships with others

Here’s a personal example.

When I truly began to love God, my relationships with others changed drastically.

Before, I used to be quick to judge, easily irritated by the flaws and mistakes of other people. But once I started loving God wholeheartedly, I found myself becoming more patient, understanding and forgiving.

I began to see others not as enemies or competition, but as fellow creations of God. I understood that just like me, they too were loved by God and were trying their best to navigate through life.

This shift didn’t happen overnight, but gradually I found myself building stronger, more loving relationships.

Whether it was my family, friends, or even strangers, I began treating everyone with more kindness and respect.

In truly loving God, you start embodying His love in your interactions with others.

And trust me, it’s a change that not only transforms your relationships but also brings immense peace and joy into your life.

3) Priorities are reshaped around godly values

As you deepen your love for God, your priorities undergo a significant shift.

Worldly pursuits and materialistic desires start losing their allure as you begin to recognize the transient nature of such things. Instead, your focus shifts towards godly values and spiritual growth.

This change is not just about renouncing all worldly pleasures, but rather about discerning what truly matters.

It means that you understand that lasting happiness and fulfillment come from aligning oneself with God’s will and not from temporal gratification.

Bible verses like Matthew 6:33, which encourage seeking the kingdom of God above all else, become a guiding principle in your life.

Your decisions, actions, and ambitions are now driven by a desire to please God and live according to His teachings.

4) Unconditional love and acceptance

The most beautiful transformation that occurs when you truly love God is the experience of unconditional love and acceptance.

God’s love isn’t dependent on your successes or failures.

It doesn’t fluctuate based on your mistakes or triumphs. It’s constant, unwavering, and unconditional.

The Bible teaches us in 1 John 4:20-21 that loving God and loving others are inseparably linked. If we claim to love God, we must also show love to our fellow beings.

When you experience this kind of love, it fills you with a sense of worth that isn’t tied to worldly standards. You’re loved for who you are, not for what you do or what you have.

This understanding fosters a deep sense of self-acceptance.

The result?

You start loving yourself, not because of your achievements, but because you’re a unique creation of a loving God.

This newfound self-love and acceptance radiate outward, influencing how you interact with others and the world around you.

Simply put, it’s a transformation that brings about profound inner peace and joy.

5) A new perspective on life’s challenges

We often find ourselves asking, “Why is this happening to me?” when faced with trials and tribulations.

However, when you truly love God, your perspective on these challenges undergoes a radical shift.

Instead of viewing them as mere obstacles or punishments, you start seeing them as opportunities for growth and spiritual refinement.

This is not to say that hardships become any less challenging.

They do not.

But your understanding of their purpose changes.

The Bible tells us in James 1:2-4 that we should consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds because the testing of our faith produces perseverance.

In other words, these trials are not intended to break us but to shape us. They stretch our faith and strengthen our character, drawing us closer to God.

6) A new sense of purpose

There was a time in my life when I felt lost, without any clear direction or purpose.

I was going through the motions, but there was a deep void within me.

When I truly started loving God, that void was filled. I found a purpose that transcended any career goal or personal ambition. My purpose became to love, serve, and grow closer to God.

Every decision, and every action took on new meaning because it was no longer just about me. It was about fulfilling God’s will, about becoming the person He wanted me to be.

This new sense of purpose didn’t make life easier, but it made it meaningful. Despite the ups and downs, the struggles and uncertainties,

I found contentment because I knew I was on a path that mattered.

In truly loving God, you discover a purpose that adds depth and significance to your life. And trust me, there’s no greater feeling than that.

7) Deeper sense of gratitude

Has it ever occurred to you that gratitude can change your life?

When you truly love God, a profound sense of gratitude and contentment becomes a part of your life. You develop a deeper appreciation for God’s blessings, both big and small.

This gratitude is not just for the good times, but also for the challenges and trials, as they serve a purpose in your spiritual growth.

As mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Even in challenging times, you find reasons to be grateful because you trust in God’s plan. You believe that there’s a purpose behind every trial and that ultimately, everything works together for good.

This shift towards a more grateful mindset leads to increased contentment.

You start living in the moment, embracing what you have rather than longing for what you don’t.

Did you know? Studies have shown that gratitude can enhance our mood, decrease stress, and significantly improve overall life satisfaction.

8) A heart inclined towards service and generosity

When you truly love God, your heart naturally inclines towards acts of service and generosity.

Your understanding of stewardship goes beyond mere obligation or duty. Instead, it becomes a joyful expression of your love for God and people.

You become more aware of the needs of others and are moved to respond.

This response can manifest in various ways:

• Donating to charities
• Volunteering your time and skills
• Helping those in need in your community

What’s more, this generosity is not confined to material or financial giving. It can also include offering emotional support, lending a listening ear, or even sharing words of encouragement.

In simple terms, you become a vessel of God’s love, extending His grace and kindness to those around you.

9) A transformation of heart

The most important change that occurs when you truly love God is a transformation of the heart. Your heart becomes a dwelling place for love, peace, and kindness. It becomes less about self and more about God and others.

You start loving unconditionally, forgiving easily, and serving selflessly.

You become more patient, more understanding, and more compassionate.

And you know what?

This transformation of the heart isn’t something that happens overnight.

It’s a journey, a process of growth and change. But the journey is worth it because the end result is a life that’s filled with love, joy, and peace.

In truly loving God, you allow His love to transform you from within, shaping you into a person who radiates His love and goodness to the world around you.

How does divine love shape your life?

The transformative power of truly loving God is immense.

It reshapes your priorities, enhances your empathy, changes your perspective on life’s challenges, fosters gratitude, promotes service and generosity, establishes peace and assurance, and fills your life with purpose and direction.

These changes aren’t superficial adjustments but deep-rooted transformations that permeate every aspect of your life. They are the fruit of a relationship with God that is nurtured by love, faith, and devotion.

• What is one area in your life that you see these transformations taking place?
• How can you further nurture your love for God to deepen these transformations?

Reflect on these questions as you continue your spiritual journey. After all, each day presents a new opportunity to grow in your love for God and experience the transformative power of His divine love.

Let’s end this article with 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — my favorite verse that beautifully encapsulates what this love looks like:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”