John Piper is a theologian. His colleague had a saying: “Beware loving loving God rather than loving God.”*

Let me state that again: “Beware loving loving God rather than loving God.” Are there times when we love the idea of loving God instead of actually showing him our devotion and commitment? 

Let’s apply that logic to the Bible. Beware loving loving the word of God rather than loving the word of God. Are there times when we love the idea of the Bible but don’t study it or seek to apply it’s teachings to our lives?

Let’s go one further as it relates to the people around us.

One of the reasons Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan was to show what it means to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). It can’t just remain a theory in our brains; it needs to find a practical expression. In that parable, mercy was shown to someone who needed help.

Beware loving loving your neighbour rather than loving your neighbour.

Let’s keep on the lookout for practical ways to help.

Notes:

-*John Piper, A Hunger for God: Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer (Wheaton, Crossway, 2013), 121.
-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week and returns on March 3, 2025.
-Bible quotes are from the NIV.