How to Love God
Contents · 45 / 57
  1. Opening Scripture
  2. Preface
  3. How to Use This Book
  4. Study Features and Diagrams
  5. The Greatest Commandment
  6. What Does It Mean to Love God?
  7. With All Your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength
  8. Why God Is Worthy of Our Love
  9. We Love Because He First Loved Us
  10. The Gospel and the Transformation of Love
  11. Why We Do Not Naturally Love God
  12. A New Heart That Loves God
  13. Seeing the Glory of God in Christ
  14. Justification, Assurance, and Love
  15. Love, Emotion, and Obedience
  16. Is Love for God an Emotion?
  17. If You Love Me, Keep My Commandments
  18. Loving God When You Do Not Feel Love
  19. Duty, Delight, and the Formation of Holy Affections
  20. The Practices Through Which Love Grows
  21. Knowing God Through Scripture
  22. Loving God Through Prayer
  23. Worship, Praise, and the Lord's Day
  24. Repentance and the Restoration of Fellowship
  25. Obedience in Ordinary Life
  26. Loving God by Loving People
  27. Evangelism, Mission, and Love for God
  28. Loving God Through Suffering
  29. Obstacles, Counterfeits, and Spiritual Warfare
  30. Idolatry and Rival Loves
  31. Legalism, Moralism, and Religious Performance
  32. Emotionalism and the Search for Spiritual Experiences
  33. Distraction, Busyness, and Digital Formation
  34. Temptation, Spiritual Warfare, and Perseverance
  35. Growing in Mature Love
  36. Love and the Fear of God
  37. Loving God With the Mind
  38. Loving God in Community
  39. A Lifetime of Loving God
  40. The Eternal Enjoyment of God
  41. Study and Practice Resources
  42. Key Bible Passages About Loving God
  43. Frequently Asked Questions
  44. Thirty Days: Growing in Love for God
  45. Seven Days for Spiritual Coldness
  46. Why Does God Feel Distant? A Diagnostic Guide
  47. A Flexible Rule of Life
  48. Prayers for Growing in Love
  49. Small-Group Study Guide
  50. Personal Spiritual Assessment
  51. Pastoral Case Studies
  52. Glossary
  53. Recommended Resources
  54. Endnotes, Source Notes, and Bibliography
  55. Scripture Index
  56. Subject Index
  57. Final Exhortation

Study and Practice Resources

Seven Days for Spiritual Coldness

~2 min read

This plan is intentionally gentle. It does not promise emotional recovery in a week. Its purpose is to turn honestly toward God, identify urgent needs, and re-enter ordinary support.

Day Scripture Focus Practice

1 Psalm 42 Honest assessment Name your emotional, bodily, relational, and spiritual condition. Tell one trusted person. Reduce unnecessary demands and prioritize sleep or medical care where needed. 2 Romans 5:1–11 Objective grace List what is true because of Christ before analyzing feelings. Thank God for reconciliation and ask for help receiving it. 3 Psalm 51 or Psalm 32 Confession where needed Confess known sin specifically. Do not search compulsively for hidden guilt. Receive forgiveness and make one practical change. 4 Mark 9:14–29 Weak faith brought to Christ Pray, “I believe; help my unbelief.” Write the precise doubt or disappointment rather than using a vague label. 5 John 15:1–17 Abiding and small obedience Read slowly, pray one sentence, and carry out one clear act of obedience. Keep it small enough to complete. 6 1 John 4:7–21 Love made concrete Contact a mature believer, attend to one person’s need, or accept help. Do not isolate. 7 Hebrews 10:19–25 Gathered hope Participate in corporate worship where possible. Ask someone to pray with you and decide on a sustainable two-week rhythm.

Pastoral care note

If severe depression, panic, inability to function, self-harm thoughts, abuse, or danger is present, the first faithful step may be urgent professional or emergency help. A spiritual plan must not delay safety or treatment.