Loving God involves trust, attention and a response to his love. Feelings may be part of that relationship, but they are not its only expression. Prayer, receiving Scripture, repentance and the ordinary ways we treat people can all become part of learning to love God.
Begin with God’s initiative rather than trying to manufacture an impressive religious feeling. The Christian response grows from grace. You can bring questions, distraction and a desire to change while taking a practical step towards following Jesus.
Follow the practical steps · Begin the seven-day guide · Read common questions
How to begin, step by step
1. Begin with God’s love
Read the short passages below and notice that love begins with God. Give thanks for his grace before making a list of what you must achieve. Be honest about the questions or resistance you bring.
2. Make room for attention
Choose a manageable time for Scripture and prayer. Put aside one distraction where possible. A few attentive minutes are a useful beginning; length alone is not a measure of love.
3. Respond in a concrete choice
Ask what truth, kindness or obedience would look like in today’s responsibilities. Choose an action you can describe rather than settling for a general intention to become a better person.
4. Keep relationship and accountability together
Stay willing to confess a wrong, repair harm where appropriate and seek wise help. Love for God does not excuse mistreating people or refusing correction.
Seven days of reading, action and prayer
Take one day at a time. Read the complete passage printed for that day, consider the reflection, take the action if appropriate and use the prayer in your own words. You can repeat a day or move more slowly. Keep a private note of what you notice and the support you may need.
Day 1 — Receive before responding
We love him, because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19 — World English Bible
Reflect: Christian love responds to God’s prior love.
Do: Begin your prayer with thanks rather than a promise to perform better.
Pray: Father, thank you for loving first. Help me receive your love and respond honestly. Amen.
Day 2 — Rest in grace
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.
Ephesians 2:8–9 — World English Bible
Reflect: God’s gift is not earned by an impressive spiritual performance.
Do: Name one pressure to earn acceptance and bring it into prayer.
Pray: Jesus, teach me to receive grace and follow you without trying to bargain for love. Amen.
Day 3 — Remain with Christ
I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 — World English Bible
Reflect: A living relationship includes returning to Jesus.
Do: Set aside a short time to read and pray without rushing to another task.
Pray: Lord, draw my attention back to you and let your words shape my choices. Amen.
Day 4 — Listen with attention
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105 — World English Bible
Reflect: God’s word can guide ordinary decisions.
Do: Write one specific responsibility where you need to live truthfully today.
Pray: Father, guide my path and help me respond with integrity. Amen.
Day 5 — Put love into action
But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.
James 1:22 — World English Bible
Reflect: Hearing and responding belong together.
Do: Choose one act of obedience or kindness that follows from your reading.
Pray: God, let my love become a faithful action rather than only a spoken intention. Amen.
Day 6 — Care for a person
Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11 — World English Bible
Reflect: Love for God is connected with love for others.
Do: Offer one thoughtful act of care without seeking recognition.
Pray: Jesus, help me notice a person I can serve and treat them with respect. Amen.
Day 7 — Return with gratitude
Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17 — World English Bible
Reflect: Ordinary words and actions can become thanksgiving.
Do: Review the week and choose one practice to continue with a willing heart.
Pray: Father, thank you for your patience. Help me keep learning to love you in everyday life. Amen.
Questions people ask
What if I do not feel close to God?
You can begin honestly with prayer, Scripture and suitable companionship. A changing feeling is not the only measure of a relationship.
Does loving God mean earning his acceptance?
Christian teaching begins with grace. Loving action is a response to God rather than a payment for his love.
Can I ask questions while growing in faith?
Yes. Bring questions to Scripture and a trustworthy Christian community. Thoughtful learning can be part of love.
Continue with support
Explore the New Believers hub and continue with Loving People: Practical Christian Care and Kindness for a related practical guide.
If you would like someone to pray alongside you, send a prayer request. To ask about a conversation, contact ANCC. You are welcome to plan a visit to ANCC in Leeds.
Scripture quotations: World English Bible, Classic edition, public domain. The full text of each stated reading is included above. Sources: 1 John · Ephesians · John · Psalm · James · Colossians. Guide reviewed and developed 18 October 2026.
