Is Loving God an emotion a feeling or decision
Loving God is
primarily a decision—a conscious, intentional choice to prioritize, trust, and obey Him regardless of emotional state. While feelings of affection, joy, and peace often accompany this love, it is not dependent on them, particularly in times of struggle or when emotions are absent.
- A Decision (Will): Loving God is a commitment (often termed agape in the Bible) to act for His glory, prioritizing Him above all else.
- Not Just an Emotion/Feeling: Feelings are fleeting and inconsistent, whereas true love for God remains steadfast regardless of circumstances or emotional highs and lows.
- Resulting in Action: As a decision, this love is shown through obedience, such as reading Scripture and prayer, even when one does not "feel" like it.
While some traditions, such as bhakti Hinduism, emphasize cultivating deep emotional devotion, in many Christian and theological contexts, the act of loving God is fundamentally a decision of the will.