בס”ד
A healthy relationship is always rooted in love, whether it’s with your partner, children, friends, or G-d. Love is the foundation that sustains these connections. When a relationship is not based on love, it often depends on rewards or punishments. We may engage in such a relationship for personal gain or out of fear of consequences. But when the reward or punishment disappears, the relationship breaks down. However, in a relationship founded on love, no external motivation is needed. You stay with the other person, or in this case, G-d, because of who they are. You align your actions with what brings them joy and aligns with their values.
This concept is beautifully reflected in Deuteronomy 6:5 , we read about the commanded to love G-d:
| 5 And thou shalt love the L-RD thy G-d with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. | ה וְאָהַבְתָּ, אֵת ד’ אֱלֹקיךָ, בְּכָל-לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל-נַפְשְׁךָ, וּבְכָל-מְאֹדֶךָ |
At first glance, this commandment seems puzzling—love is an emotion, and emotions cannot be commanded. You either feel love or you don’t. However, Sefer HaChinuch explains that by contemplating the Torah, reflecting on G-d’s commandments, and observing His actions, we come to understand Him. This intellectual understanding leads to an appreciation of His providence, which in turn gives birth to love. As we grow in this love, we feel an obligation to inspire others to serve G-d, just as Abraham did.
This idea is also seen in Deuteronomy 11:22,
| 22 For if ye shall diligently keep all this commandment which I command you, to do it, to love the L-RD your G-d, to walk in all His ways, and to cleave unto Him, | כב כִּי אִם-שָׁמֹר תִּשְׁמְרוּן אֶת-כָּל-הַמִּצְוָה הַזֹּאת, אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם–לַעֲשֹׂתָהּ: לְאַהֲבָה אֶת-ד’ אֱלֹקיכֶם, לָלֶכֶת בְּכָל-דְּרָכָיו–וּלְדָבְקָה-בוֹ. |
Rabbi Schneur Zalman, in Shaarei Hayichud Vehaemunah , explains that “doing love” can be achieved by everyone, through meditating on the fact that G-d is truly “our life.” When we reflect on how much we love our own soul and life, we can come to love G-d, for He is the source of our soul and life itself. Another way to cultivate this love is to meditate on His greatness, as seen in His creation—the majesty of a cedar tree or the intricate design of a tiny ant. This sense of awe naturally leads to love. Additionally, we can reflect on the miracles G-d has performed for Israel in the past, as well as the wonders He continues to do for His people today.
Rabbi Schneur Zalman specifically wrote this teaching in the context of Jews, but he describes it as a level of love that everyone can reach. As the author of this blog, I interpret “everyone” to include non-Jews (Noahides) as well. While his writing was directed at Jews, I believe these pathways to love for G-d can be meaningful for all people, because the recognition of G-d as the source of life and creation is universal.
Maimonides In the second chapter of Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah describes this process of “do-love” as follows:
What is the path [to attain] love and fear of Him? When a person contemplates His wondrous and great deeds and creations and appreciates His infinite wisdom that surpasses all comparison, he will immediately love, praise and glorify [Him], yearning with tremendous desire to know [G-d’s] great name, as David stated: “My soul thirsts for the L-rd, for the living G-d” [Psalms 42:3]
This reflection on His creation, His love, and His miracles in our own lives allows us to develop a deeper love for Him. Many of us experience miracles that we may brush off as mere “nature,” “luck,” or “coincidence.” Recognizing these personal wonders can help us foster love for G-d. For example, I experienced three profound miracles in my life: my survival as a premature baby, being saved from a severe car accident, and the comfort G-d granted me after my mother’s death. In these moments, I felt G-d’s presence and love, which deepened my relationship with Him.
By constantly contemplating G-d, we increase our awareness of Him. This “doing love” brings us into a relationship with G-d where we want to emulate His mitzvot—not out of fear of punishment or desire for reward, but purely because He is our Creator. After all, if those motivations were removed, what would be left of the relationship?
While Noahides are not commanded to love G-d as the Jews are, they are commanded to fear Him. Yet, what truly spiritual person would not come to love G-d? After all, the highest form of fear is the fear of losing the relationship itself. This fear is rooted in love. When we truly love G-d and understand what He desires from humanity, we will feel compelled, like Abraham, to encourage others to follow His laws—the 613 mitzvot for Jews and the seven Noahide laws for non-Jews. In doing so, we bring joy to G-d as He looks upon His creation.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for his feedback
Sources:
The Divine Code by Rabbi Moshe Weiner 4e edition p. 33
Gateway to Unity and Faith by Rabbi Shneur Zalman p. 8-9
FUNDAMENTALS OF THE FAITH – 3 TO FEAR G-D
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