GROW IN FAITH 37 – Loving God First

The First Three Commandments

Opening Prayer

Lord God,
You are our Creator and Father.
Help us love You above all things.
Teach us to honour Your name
and keep Your Day holy.
Amen.

Part One

God Comes First

The first Commandment says:

“I am the Lord thy God…
Thou shalt not have strange gods before me.”

God must come first.

Not because He is selfish,
but because He is the source of all good.

If we place something else first —
money, success, popularity,
even ourselves —
our lives become unbalanced.

To love God first means:

Trusting Him.
Praying to Him.
Obeying Him.

It means remembering
that everything we have
comes from Him.

When God is first,
everything else finds its proper place.

Scripture

“I am the Lord thy God…
Thou shalt not have strange gods before me.”
(Exodus 20:2–3)

Think and Discuss

What things can become more important than God?

Why does putting God first bring peace?

How can we show that God is first in our daily life?

What happens when we forget Him?

Allow thoughtful answers.

Part Two

Honouring His Name

The second Commandment teaches us
to respect the name of God.

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.”

God’s name is holy.

We use it in prayer.
In worship.
In blessing.

We do not use it carelessly,
angrily,
or disrespectfully.

Our words matter.

When we speak God’s name,
it should be with reverence.

This also means keeping our promises made in His name.

Truthfulness and respect
honour God.

Guidance for Adults

Gently correct casual misuse of God’s name.
Explain why reverence shapes the heart.

Part Three

Keeping the Lord’s Day Holy

The third Commandment teaches us
to keep holy the Lord’s Day.

Sunday is set apart.

We gather for Mass.
We worship together.
We rest from unnecessary work.

Loving God first
means giving Him time.

Not leftovers.
Not what remains.
But a real place in our week.

These three Commandments
shape our relationship with God:

We love Him above all.
We honour His name.
We keep His Day holy.

When our relationship with God is strong,
our love for others grows stronger too.

The Commandments begin with God
because love begins with Him.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

Think about your daily life.

Is there something that takes too much first place?

Now say quietly:

“Lord, help me put You first.”

Remain in silence together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Begin and end each day with prayer.
• Speak God’s name with reverence.
• Prepare carefully for Sunday Mass.
• Thank God before meals.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“Thou shalt not have strange gods before me.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Make the Sign of the Cross slowly and say:
“Lord, You are first.”

Closing Prayer

Lord,
Help us love You above all things.
Keep Your name holy in our words.
Teach us to honour Your Day with joy.
May our lives show that You come first.
Amen.