Spurgeon wrote in his classic Morning and Evening devotional: 

Many can only say of Jesus that they hope they love him; they trust they love him; but only a poor and shallow experience will be content to stay here. No one ought to give any rest to his spirit till he feels quite sure about a matter of such vital importance. We ought not to be satisfied with a superficial hope that Jesus loves us, and with a bare trust that we love him.

The old saints did not generally speak with “buts,” and “ifs,” and “hopes,” and “trusts,” but they spoke positively and plainly. “I know whom I have believed,” saith Paul. “I know that my Redeemer liveth,” saith Job.

Get positive knowledge of your love of Jesus, and be not satisfied till you can speak of your interest in him as a reality, which you have made sure by having received the witness of the Holy Spirit, and his seal upon your soul by faith.

True love to Christ is in every case the Holy Spirit’s work, and must be wrought in the heart by him. He is the efficient cause of it; but the logical reason why we love Jesus lies in himself.

Why do we love Jesus? Because he first loved us.

Why do we love Jesus? Because he “gave himself for us.” We have life through his death; we have peace through his blood. Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor. 

Why do we love Jesus? Because of the excellency of his person.

We are filled with a sense of his beauty! An admiration of his charms! A consciousness of his infinite perfection! His greatness, goodness, and loveliness, in one resplendent ray, combine to enchant the soul till it is so ravished that it exclaims, “Yea, he is altogether lovely” (Song 5:16) 

(September 3 morning entry)

Spurgeon also said, “I had rather be blind and deaf and dumb, and lose my taste and smell, than not love Christ. To be unable to appreciate him is the worst of disabilities, the most serious of calamities. It is not the loss of a single spiritual faculty, but it proves the death of the soul.”

Biblical Christianity is not simply a religion about Christ but a relationship with Christ. So how can we grow that relationship so that our love for Him increases? Spurgeon rightly observes that “True love to Christ is in every case the Holy Spirit’s work.” Yet we are also to put in the effort in partnership with the Spirit. Scripture says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). That puts the ball in our court and shows us there are some things we can do:

• Set aside time every day to spend with the Lord—reading His Word, praying, listening to Him.
• Read books that draw on the power of Scripture. Feed your heart and your mind.
• Listen to sermons, worship music, and Scripture as you go about your day-to-day activities such as driving or doing the dishes.
• Fellowship with other Christians within the church, the body of Christ.
• Turn off the distractions in your life, whether that’s social media, the internet, television, etc.

In order to have a close relationship with anyone, first and foremost, you must spend time with them. Over the years of our marriage, in order to have a close relationship with Nanci—which I desired to have—I needed to spend time with her. The same thing is true with our children. When we were raising our girls, how did I show my love for them? I spent time with them! And I don’t regret a single moment spent with them. Could I have written more books if I hadn’t spent time with them? Of course! Would those books have been worth it in God’s sight or in mine? Of course not! And now with our grandchildren, there’s simply no substitute for spending time with them. That’s how you get to know them and draw close to them. (If they are at a distance, show your love by texting or calling or visiting them!)

Your relationship with Jesus will only grow as you spend time with Him—not only as you talk to God, but also as you listen to Him. The Lord promises His word will not return to Him empty without accomplishing the purpose for which He sent it. He will accomplish that purpose in your life. Open up your life and your heart to the Word of God and He will draw you to Himself (James 4:8). Think of Christ as your mentor and your best friend, as well as your Savior and Lord.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8).