LOVE --- PART 4

LOVE BENEFITS OTHERS.
Our society confuses Love and lust. Unlike lust, YHVH’s kind of Love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves. It is utterly unselfish. This kind of Love goes against our natural inclinations. It is possible to practice this Love only if Elohim helps us set aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give Love while expecting nothing in return. Thus the more we become like Moshiach, the more Love we will show to others.

LOVE IS A COMMAND.
Dear friends, I am not writing a New Commandment, for it is an old one you have always had, right from the beginning. This Commandment -- to Love one another -- is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. This Commandment is true in Moshiach and is true among you, because the darkness is disappearing and the True Light is already shining. -- 1 John 2:7-8. The Commandment to Love others is both old and new. It is old because it comes from the Old Testament -- Leviticus 19:18. It is new because Yeshua interpreted it in a radically new way -- John 13:34-35. In the believers church, Love is not only expressed by showing respect; it is also expressed through self-sacrifice and servant-hood -- John 15:13. In fact, it can be defined as -- selfless giving, -- reaching beyond friends to enemies and persecutors -- Matthew 5:43-48. Love should be the unifying force and the identifying mark of the believers community. Love is the key to walking in the Light, because we cannot grow spiritually while we hate others. Our growing relationship with YHVH will result in growing relationships with others.

LOVE IS A CHOICE.
Does this mean that if you dislike someone you aren’t a believer? These verses are not talking about disliking a disagreeable believing brother or sister. There will always be people we will not like as well as others. John’s words focus on the attitude that causes us to ignore or despise others, to treat them as irritants, competitors or enemies. Believers Love is not a feeling, but a choice. We can choose to be concerned with people’s well-being and treat them with respect, whether or not we feel affection toward them. If we choose to Love others, YHVH will help us express our Love.

LOVING YHVH IS THE GREATEST HUMAN ACT.
Yeshua replied; The most important Commandment is this: Hear, O Israel! YHVH our Elohim is the one and only Adonai. And you must Love YHVH Elohim with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbour as yourself. No other Commandment is greater than these. -- Mark 12:29-31. YHVH’s Laws are not burdensome. They can be reduced to two simple principles: Love YHVH and Love others. These Commands are from the Old Testament -- Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18. When you Love Elohim completely and care for others as you care for yourself, then you have fulfilled the intent of the Ten Commandments and the other Old Testament Laws. According to Yeshua, these two Commandments summarize all of YHVH’s Laws. Let them rule your thoughts, decisions and actions. When you are uncertain about what to do, ask yourself which course of action best demonstrates Love for YHVH and Love for others.

LOVING YHVH MEANS SERVING HIM.
Once more He asked him; Simon son of John, do you love Me? Peter was grieved that Yeshua asked the question a third time. He said: Adonai, You know everything. You know I Love You. Yeshua said; Then feed My sheep. -- John 21:17. Peter had disowned Yeshua three times. Three times Yeshua asked Peter if he Loved Him. When Peter answered yes, Yeshua told him to feed His sheep. It is one thing to say you Love Yeshua, but the real test is willingness to serve Him. Peter had repented and here Yeshua was asking him to commit his life. Peter’s life changed when he finally realized who Yeshua was. His occupation changed from fisherman to evangelist; his identity changed from impetuous to rock; and his relationship to Yeshua changed -- he was forgiven and he finally understood the significance of Yeshua's Words about His death and resurrection.

LOVING YHVH REQUIRES EVERYTHING WE HAVE AND ARE.
Yeshua asked Peter three times if he loved Him. The first time Yeshua said; Do you Love -- Greek agape: volitional, self-sacrificial Love -- Me more than these? The second time, Yeshua still used the Word translated from the Greek word agape. The third time, Yeshua used the Word translated from the Greek word Phileo -- signifying affection, affinity or brotherly Love -- and asked in effect; Are you even My friend? Each time Peter responded with the word translated into Greek as Phileo. Yeshua doesn’t settle for quick, superficial answers. Peter had to face his true feelings and motives when Yeshua confronted him. How would you respond if Yeshua asked you, -- Do you love Me? Are you even His friend?