In Deuteronomy, chapter ten, verse twelve, God repeatedly emphasized to Israel the necessity of love that comes from “the heart.” God did not want His people to substitute heartfelt love for Him with mere outward religious forms, such as keeping His commandments, offering sacrifices, and so forth. They needed to always obey God from the heart that sincerely loved and honored Him.
For New Testament believers, faith and love from the heart are also essential to our relationship with God. It is possible to read scripture, pray, attend church, and partake of the Lord’s Supper without a heartfelt devotion to God Himself; this is what is meant by legalism. Outward obedience and correct religious practices have validity and significance only if based on knowing Jesus Christ through sincere faith in and love for Him because of who He is and what He has done for us.
We are here taught our duty to God in our principles and practices. We must fear the Lord our God. We must love Him and delight in communion with Him. We must walk in how He has appointed us to walk. We must serve Him with all our heart and soul. However, what we do for God in His service, His people must do cheerfully and with goodwill. We must keep his commandments.
There is true honor and pleasure in obedience. We must honor God, and to Him, we must cleave as one we love and delight in, trust in, and from whom we have great expectations. We are here to teach our duty to our neighbor. God’s common gifts to humanity oblige us to honor all men. Especially those who have been in distress, and have found mercy with God, should be ready to show kindness to those in the same condition.
We are here taught our duty to ourselves. Circumcise your hearts. Cast away all corrupt affections and inclinations which hinder you from fearing and loving God. By nature, we do not love God. Only by accepting Him, His Son, and His holy Word will we know and love God.