How to Love God: What Most Christians Get Wrong About the Greatest Commandment

Moving Beyond Religion Into Relationship With God | Featuring Marcus Alexander Velazquez

What does it actually mean to love God?

It's a question many Christians would answer quickly, yet one that often becomes more difficult when we try to live it out in everyday life. We attend church, read our Bibles, pray, and serve others but are we truly cultivating a relationship with God, or are we simply maintaining religious habits?

In this episode of the Rybickulous Faith Podcast, author and TEDx speaker Marcus Alexander Velazquez joins us to discuss his book, How To Love God: Living Out The Greatest Commandment, and share why the Christian life was always intended to be rooted in intimacy with God rather than routine religion.

The Greatest Commandment Isn't Complicated—But It Is Transformative

Jesus answered the question of life's greatest commandment in Mark 12:30:

"And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength." (NLT)

Many believers know this verse. Fewer know how to practically apply it.

Marcus explains that loving God isn't merely an emotion, nor is it a checklist of spiritual activities. It is a relationship that impacts every part of our lives—our thoughts, priorities, decisions, and daily actions.

When we understand God's love for us, our response naturally becomes love for Him.

Religion vs. Relationship

One of the most powerful themes from our conversation is the distinction between religion and relationship.

Religion can become focused on performance, appearances, and obligation. Relationship, however, is rooted in connection.

God doesn't invite us into a life of endless striving. He invites us into fellowship with Him.

Many Christians feel spiritually exhausted because they've unintentionally made faith about doing more instead of knowing Him more.

Marcus reminds listeners that intimacy with God grows the same way healthy relationships grow—with time, trust, communication, and presence.

Knowing About God Isn't the Same as Knowing God

In today's world, information is everywhere. We can listen to sermons, watch videos, and read countless books about God.

But knowledge alone doesn't create intimacy.

Marcus challenges believers to move beyond simply learning facts about God and instead seek personal encounters with Him through prayer, Scripture, worship, and quiet time in His presence.

God isn't looking for perfect performance.

He's inviting us into relationship.

Finding God in the Quiet

One of the practical takeaways from this episode is the importance of silence and stillness.

Many people want to hear God's voice while simultaneously filling every moment with noise and distraction.

Yet throughout Scripture, God often met His people in the quiet places.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply slow down and spend time with Him.

No agenda.

No performance.

Just presence.

The Church Is a Hospital, Not a Museum

Marcus also offers a refreshing reminder about the role of the church.

The church was never meant to be a gathering place for people who have everything together. It is a place where hurting people can encounter the healing grace of Christ.

Every believer is on a journey of growth.

Every believer needs God's mercy.

And every believer can experience deeper intimacy with Him.

Your Invitation to Draw Near

If you've been feeling spiritually distant, stuck in routine faith, or overwhelmed by trying to "do Christianity right," this episode offers a simple but powerful invitation:

Spend time with God.

Know Him.

Love Him.

And allow that relationship to transform every other part of your life.

Because Christianity is not ultimately about rules, performance, or perfection.

It's about knowing the One who first loved us.

Watch or Listen to the Full Episode

🎙️ Episode Title: How to Love God: What Most Christians Get Wrong About the Greatest Commandment

🌐 Guest Website: https://www.IntimateWithGod.com

📖 Featured Book: How To Love God: Living Out The Greatest Commandment by Marcus Alexander Velazquez

About the Rybickulous Faith Podcast

The Rybickulous Faith Podcast shares real stories, real faith, and Rybickulous hope. Hosted by S.E. Rybicki, each episode features authentic conversations designed to encourage, equip, and inspire listeners to grow deeper in their walk with Christ.

Shalom, y'all. ❤️