Finding Jesus
The first step to loving God and loving others is to make sure that you know Jesus.
The Bible teaches us that we have all done things that are wrong. This is called "sinning". The very first people that God created sinned and we have been doing it ever since. It is our sins that keep us from having a relationship with God. If you don't think you're a sinner answer these three questions:
Have you ever lied?
Have you ever taken something that wasn't yours?
Have you ever wished you could have someone else's stuff?
If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, than you've broken one of God's commandments. Sorry to tell you but you're a sinner.
There is good news though! God made a way that allows us to have a relationship with him in spite of our sins.
God became a man, known as Jesus, and lived a perfect life. He was put to death on a cross and buried in a tomb. Three days later, he came back to life, he was seen by many people and then he went to be in Heaven.
Jesus taught us many things, including to love God and love others. Another thing that Jesus taught us is that He is "the way, the truth and the life." He went on to say that "No one comes to the Father except through me."
"Hold on!" you might say. "Jesus is the only way?"
Yes. As hard as it might be to accept in our society that focuses on accepting everyone for everything and excluding nobody, the Bible teaches that God provided Jesus as the only way to restore our relationship with Him.
If you hear that small voice within you telling you that this is true, there's only one thing to do:
Yield to Jesus!
It is only by accepting Jesus as you personal Lord and Savior that you can start down the road towards loving God and loving others.
You can begin your relationship with God right now. All you have to do is tell Him about it. This is called "praying." It sounds like a formal religious act but it's simply having a conversation with God. If you are ready to become one of God's adopted children, you might want to pray:
"Father, I know that I am a sinner. I want to be one of your children. I know that there are things that I have done that are wrong. I believe that Jesus lived a perfect life and died as a sacrifice in my place. I know that His death allows me to have a relationship with you. I want to commit the rest of my life to loving you and loving others. In Jesus' name, Amen."
If you have just now done this, tell someone! Tell your mom! Tell your dad! Tell your spouse! Tell your kids! Tell a neighbor. Call a local church and tell the pastor! If you would, please email me and let me know, too.
Once you've become one of God's children, there are some things you should do:
Find a church that teaches from the Bible.
Get baptized.
Begin reading the Bible every day.
Try to pray every day.
Get involved with one of the ministries of your new church.
Your relationship with God requires time and attention, just like your relationships with people. Click here to learn more about loving God.