Our heart is linked to our spirit, for our conscience, which is a function of our spirit (Rom. 9:1), is also a function of our heart (Heb. 10:22). Thus, to love and serve God with all our heart and soul indicates that we love and serve Him also with our spirit (Rom. 1:9). Furthermore, according to 6:5 we are to love Him also with all our might, that is, with our physical strength. See Mark 12:28-30 and note Mark 12:30¹.

God Himself set an example of loving by setting His affection on His people (vv. 14-15; 7:7-8). In Deuteronomy God was actually “courting” His people, loving them and setting His affection upon them (cf. note Exo. 20:6²). His people should love Him in return by setting their affection on Him. See note 1 Cor. 2:9^3d.

God’s ways are actually what God is. Whatever God is, is a way to us. Hence, to take what God is as our ways and to walk in these ways is to live God. The God who is our way is Christ (John 14:6). To take Christ as our way is to live Him, and to live Him is to express Him, to manifest Him, and even to magnify Him (Phil. 1:20-21a). In the New Jerusalem the river of water of life proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb and flowing in the middle of the street of gold (Rev. 22:1) indicates that God is both our life and our way. We take God as our life, and His life with His nature then becomes the way on which we walk. See note Rev. 22:1^6g.

See note Num. 18:20¹.

Or, the wells of the children of Jaakan.

Lit., words.