I love love! And I especially love seeing couples who have succeeded in fostering a loving and happy home. There’s something truly beautiful about witnessing a thriving relationship—but it doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality. Just like a garden needs consistent care and nurturing to bloom, cultivating a joyful home takes similar effort and commitment.

Many couples prioritize date nights, check in throughout the day, look for ways to delight one another, make sacrifices, demonstrate loyalty, and express unconditional love. It’s clear that these kinds of intentional acts are vital for building strong human relationships.

Unfortunately, when it comes to our relationship with God, we often don’t apply the same energy. Instead, we leave Him on the sidelines—only reaching out when we’re in need. Sometimes, we don’t even return to say thank you after He answers our prayers.

In the Bible, David is described as a man after God’s own heart. Many of us desire that kind of relationship with God, but it doesn’t come without effort. David spent quality time with God, spoke God’s love language (praise), honored Him, expressed adoration publicly, and lived in reverence. And how did God respond? With overwhelming love.

That kind of relationship is possible for us, too—but again, it takes intentionality. This isn’t about earning God’s love—because as the Bible says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Rather, it’s about deepening that love, moving toward a more intimate relationship with the One who already loves us fully.

James 4:8 (NKJV) reminds us:
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…”

And in Jeremiah 29:13–14 (NKJV):
“…And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord…”

You may be wondering, How do I actually do this? Here are some practical steps:

1. Prioritize Spending Quality Time With Him

Carve out time for God daily, weekly, and even annually. Pray, read the Bible, and have regular devotions. Just like you’d schedule a date night, block out time just to worship and be with God—without distractions. If possible, consider taking an annual retreat to reconnect deeply. Jesus began His ministry by being alone with God for 40 days and frequently withdrew from crowds to pray. Just as quality time strengthens an earthly relationship, it will transform your relationship with God.

2. Avoid Transactional Love

Love God with pure motives. People dislike strategic kindness—doing nice things just to get something in return—and yet we often treat God this way. We give, serve, or obey with the hope of a reward, rather than from a place of love.

Take Solomon, for example. When he offered a thousand burnt sacrifices, it was an act of pure worship. When God responded and asked him what he wanted, Solomon chose wisdom to lead God’s people. His heart aligned with God’s, and God blessed him beyond measure. His love wasn’t manipulative—it was sincere.

Yes, we’re in a covenant relationship, and there’s a place for making vows. But we should be careful not to turn love into a transaction. In any healthy relationship, love should be reciprocal—but never calculated.

3. Live a Life That Pleases Him

Intentional love shows up in obedience and striving to live a holy life.

Hebrews 12:14 (NIV) says:
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

4. Speak His Love Language

Praise is powerful. Scripture shows that God delights in praise. Express your love by telling Him how good He is—often and openly.

5. Make Him Your Closest Friend

Include Him in your day. Talk to Him about everything—your joys, worries, frustrations, and wins. Don’t make Him your last resort; let Him be your first call. Whisper prayers throughout your day, even while you’re busy. He wants to be involved in every detail.

6. Share His Passions

Care about what God cares about. From winning souls to loving your neighbors, practicing kindness, and showing mercy—these are the things that matter to Him. Loving what God loves is one of the deepest expressions of devotion.

This isn’t a complete list, but it’s a meaningful starting point.

How are you intentional about your relationship with God?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Whether it’s something you are still working on or something that’s transformed your walk with Him, drop a comment or send a message. Let’s grow together in love, purpose, and intentionality.