Daniel 6:13

Daniel 6:13 (ESV): “Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or the injunction you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.”

The evidence of loving God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind shines most clearly when the stakes are highest. A person who truly adores God continues to worship Him faithfully, even when doing so comes at great personal cost.

When King Darius of Persia became ruler over Babylon, he appointed 120 satraps to govern the kingdom and elevated Daniel as one of three administrators to oversee them. Because the king recognized the anointing and excellence in Daniel’s life, he planned to set him over the entire kingdom. But the other leaders grew jealous and conspired against him. They convinced the king to sign an ordinance that required all people to pray only to the king for thirty days. They knew Daniel would not comply—not because he was rebellious, but because he loved God with all his being. As a result of his faithful devotion, Daniel was accused and thrown into the lions’ den for breaking the royal decree.

How is your love for God manifested outwardly? It should be evident to those around you. After all, if you truly love someone, why would you hide it? Let’s take the example of Daniel, who wore his love for God as a badge of honor. Everyone knew he loved the Lord—and those around us should know that we love Him too. Let your love for God be evident to all. Amen?

Father, we thank You for loving us openly and sincerely. You made Your love known by sending Your Son. May we, in turn, manifest our love for You through our words and actions. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.