What Is God’s Law?

A Spiritual Understanding from Deuteronomy 6:1–9 and Matthew 22:36–40 (NKJV) When many people hear the phrase "God's Law," they often think only of rules and commandments. However, the Scriptures reveal that God's Law is much deeper than a list of regulations. It is the expression of God's holy character and His desire for a loving relationship with His people. In Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Moses instructs Israel concerning the commandments, statutes, and judgments that the LORD gave. The passage centers on what is commonly called the Shema, from the Hebrew word שְׁמַע (shema'), meaning "hear," "listen attentively," or "obey." This is not merely hearing with the ears but responding with faithful obedience.

30-DAY STUDY: GOD'S LAW FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION

Jennifer

5/30/20262 min read

The passage declares:
"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength" (Deut. 6:5 NKJV).

The Hebrew word for love is אָהַב (ahav), referring to covenant loyalty, devotion, affection, and commitment. This love is not merely emotional; it is demonstrated through obedience and faithfulness.
The word for heart is לֵבָב (levav), representing the inner person—thoughts, desires, will, and understanding. The word for soul is נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh), referring to one's entire life and being. The word translated strength is מְאֹד (me'od), which literally means "very" or "exceedingly," conveying all one's resources, energy, influence, and capacity.

Therefore, God's Law is not first about external behavior; it begins with wholehearted love and devotion to Him from every part of our being.
Jesus confirms this truth in Matthew 22:36-40 when asked which commandment is the greatest in the Law. He answers by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and adding:

Leviticus 19:18
"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind... And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

The Greek word for love is ἀγαπάω (agapaō), describing sacrificial, devoted, covenantal love that seeks the good of another. The word for heart is καρδία (kardia), the center of one's inner life. Soul is ψυχή (psychē), referring to one's life and entire being. Mind is διάνοια (dianoia), speaking of understanding, reasoning, and thought.

Jesus teaches that every commandment ultimately flows from two foundational realities:
  1. Love for God.
  2. Love for others.

The Law was never intended to be a checklist for earning salvation. Rather, it reveals how redeemed people are to live in relationship with God and one another. The commandments teach us how to express love, holiness, justice, mercy, truth, and faithfulness.
From a spiritual perspective, God's Law is the divine instruction that teaches His people how to love Him completely and love others rightly. The outward commandments are rooted in an inward relationship. When the heart belongs to God, obedience becomes an expression of love rather than a burden of legalism.
Jesus did not abolish this foundation; He fulfilled it perfectly and demonstrated what complete obedience and love look like. Through Him, believers are called to walk in the same love that the Law has always pointed toward.
Key Spiritual Truth
God's Law is not merely a set of rules—it is God's instruction for living in covenant relationship with Him. The entire Law is fulfilled through wholehearted love for God and genuine love for our neighbor. Obedience is the fruit of that love, not a substitute for it.
Reflection Questions
  1. According to Deuteronomy 6:5, what does it practically mean for you to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength?
  2. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 22:36-40 help us understand the true purpose behind God's commandments?
  3. Are there areas in your life where obedience has become a duty rather than an expression of love for God?
  4. How can your love for God be more clearly demonstrated through the way you treat and serve others each day?

Supporting Scriptures (NKJV)
  • Deuteronomy 6:1-9
  • Leviticus 19:18
  • Matthew 22:36-40
  • John 14:15
  • Romans 13:8-10
  • 1 John 5:2-3
"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." — 1 John 5:3 (NKJV)