(Deu) 13:1, 4-5, 7, 9 CJB “Everything I am commanding you, you are to take care to do. Do not add to it or subtract from it. you are not to listen to what that prophet or dreamer says. For Adonai your God is testing you, in order to find out whether you really do love Adonai your God with all your heart and being. You are to follow Adonai your God, fear him, obey his mitzvot, listen to what he says, serve him and cling to him; “If your brother the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or your wife whom you love, or your friend who means as much to you as yourself, secretly tries to entice you to go and serve other gods, which you haven’t known, neither you nor your ancestors — you are not to consent, and you are not to listen to him; and you must not pity him or spare him; and you may not conceal him.”
One of the hardest truths in Scripture is that God requires us to love Him above everyone else — including our spouse, children, and closest relationships. In Deuteronomy 13, Moses warns Israel not to follow even beloved family members if they entice them away from obedience to God. The issue is not hatred toward family, but ultimate allegiance. To love God more than family is to recognize that God alone is Lord, Creator, Judge, and Savior.
The consistent testimony of Scripture is that love for God is demonstrated through obedience to God. Jesus Himself said, “If you love me, you will keep my commands” (John 14:15). Biblical love is not merely emotional affection; it is covenant loyalty expressed through faithful obedience.
Loving God Through Obedience
To love God more than family requires us to know what God has actually said. That is why God recorded His Word for us. Scripture reveals His character, His commands, and His will. When believers neglect the diligent study of God’s Word, they eventually begin living according to feelings, cultural pressures, or personal preferences rather than divine truth.
This pattern appears repeatedly in both Israel and the modern Church. Many professing Christians who once affirmed biblical truth now openly support what Scripture condemns, especially regarding sexual immorality. Why? Because emotional attachment to children or loved ones has become greater than their submission to God.
Rather than lovingly calling their children to repentance and faithfulness, some parents affirm sinful lifestyles in order to preserve relational peace. In doing so, they choose the approval of people over obedience to God.
Deuteronomy 13 confronts this directly. God warned His people not to allow even the closest human relationship to pull them away from fidelity to Him.
This is not cruelty. It is eternal love rightly ordered.
True Love Warns and Calls to Obedience
Modern culture defines love as unconditional affirmation. Scripture defines love as leading people toward truth, holiness, and eternal life. Genuine love warns against sin because sin destroys souls.
To refuse correction in the name of “love” is not biblical compassion. It is surrender.
The loving parent, spouse, friend, or disciple-maker insists upon obedience to God because eternity is at stake. Heaven is not merely a better place for imperfect people; it is the eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells, where resurrected bodies never sin again, and where the presence of God produces everlasting joy, peace, and holiness.
This is why Scripture repeatedly calls believers to perseverance, holiness, and obedience. Not because obedience earns salvation, but because transformed hearts increasingly desire to obey the God they truly love.
Scripture Intake and Obedient Outflow
True discipleship is the continual rhythm of Scripture intake and obedient outflow. We seek God daily through His Word so we may know Him better, love Him more deeply, and obey Him more faithfully.
When believers drift from God’s Word, compromise follows. But when believers remain rooted in Scripture and active in God’s mission, their love for God stays primary and their love for people becomes properly ordered.
To love God more than family is ultimately the best way to love family, because we are directing them toward the only Savior who can rescue and transform them eternally.
Run Today’s Play
Open God’s Word today and ask yourself an honest question: “Is there any relationship in my life influencing me more than God’s truth?”
Do not allow culture, emotions, or fear of rejection to become greater authorities than Scripture. Love your family enough to speak truth graciously, pray fervently, and model obedience consistently.
Seek God daily through His Word. Be a constant doer of Scripture, not merely a hearer. The more you know God, the more you will love and obey Him — and the better you will love the people around you.