For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? – Matthew 16: 26

In one place, Jesus commands us to love God with all of our soul. Here, He declares that it is a terrible thing for a person to lose his or her soul. It is possible that these two are connected? What does loving God have to do with losing your soul. Well, let’s see.

1). Loving God protects the soul. A person can lose his or her soul when dangerous and destructive diseases are allowed to penetrate it and influence it. Like a virus which can take over a brand new, but unprotected computer, these can infect the soul and force it to function unlike it otherwise would. Loving God puts a shield around the soul such that any of these ills must come through Him to get to us. And we know that ain’t happening!

2). Loving God strengthens the soul. The love God is food for the soul. It builds the soul. A soul which loves God cannot get enough of His word. It cannot be filled enough with His spirit. It cannot have enough of His love. Thus, whereas loving God protects viruses from getting in, loving God also acts as an immune system to strengthen the soul and fight off infections may somehow already be inside of it.

3). Loving God arms the soul. The love of God which protects and strengthens are both defensive. They function to guard the soul from harm. Now, loving God does something else. It arms the soul with power to go on the offense. A soul on offense is not offensive. However, it may be aggressive in prayer, praise, mission, evangelism, giving, serving and more. A strong and protected soul is a soul eager to share the love it has for God with others. Such a soul is hard to lose!