What is authentic worship? I hear this pair of words together so often in Christian church circles. I especially see the term used in church social media invites. “Come to our church and experience authentic worship!” What does that even mean? What does that look like? How do we arrive at this place of authentic worship that honors God?

We have built beautiful sanctuaries for worship.

We have songs that lift up lyrics and melodies of worship.

We have practiced religion and enforced rituals as paths to worship.

We have mastered state of the art technology to enhance our performance based worship.

We have congregated for conferences on worship.

We have skilled people who can lead us in worship.

We have Bible studies about worship.

We have specific times for scheduled worship.

We say that we “love worship.”

We are taught that we must live a life of worship.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love me a good church service, but we must realize that our church buildings, institutions, and organizations are not the only pathways to authentic worship, so what is it exactly?

What is AUTHENTIC WORSHIP?

I believe that LOVE is authentic worship.

When we LOVE – when it overflows from our soul to God, to family, to friends, to strangers and to enemies – that is authentic worship. That is what truly honors God. Acts of love are what express our reverence and adoration of Him.

All of our sanctuaries and religion and rituals and art and music and raised hands and prayers and gatherings and leaders and studies and programs and activities are completely pointless, empty, and anemic without LOVE.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:1

So how do we get there?

I find that it is reasonable to think that one can “get there” with various approaches, but I will share the approach that has led me to a place where I am able to most authentically worship. I discovered the simple approach over the past couple of years, but it has taken complete dedication and hyper focus on what LOVE is. It included some painful soul searching, much needed spiritual healing, and progression of personal purpose (growth).

My approach: I pray and meditate on the fruits of the spirt. I ask God for love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control to take their roots and knit themselves deeply into the fabric of my entire life. I pray that these spiritual fruits would flow out of my heart and from my soul connection to The Source.

I believe with my every ounce of being that LOVE is the most authentic worship experience.

Love God. Love others. Profound and yet simple.

When a mother soothes and holds her crying child – this is an authentic worship experience. When a broken soul cries out to God, believing that He is their only hope – this is an authentic worship experience. When a person goes to work to provide for their family – this is an authentic worship experience. When a woman prays for her husband – this is an authentic worship experience. When you share your bounty with the less fortunate – this is an authentic worship experience. When you mow your neighbors grass – this is an authentic worship experience. When you speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves – this is an authentic worship experience. When a family chooses to spend a Sunday together at the lake instead of attending a church service – this is an authentic worship experience. When you sit with a friend who is hurting – this is an authentic worship experience. When you sacrifice your own comfort for someone else’s benefit – this is an authentic worship experience. When someone pops into your head and you pray for them and send them a text to say so – this is an authentic worship experience. When you stand up against injustice – this is an authentic worship experience. When you step out into creation and enjoy the surrounding beauty – this is an authentic worship experience. When you pick up that extra shift at work so your co-worker can have a mental break – this is an authentic worship experience. When you have wronged someone and humbly ask their forgiveness – this is an authentic worship experience. When you forgive others – this is an authentic worship experience. When you are kind to someone who hasn’t earned it – this is an authentic worship experience. When you take an opportunity to learn how to love God and others better – this is an authentic worship experience.

This is what pleases and honors Him.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:30-31