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Revive Israel
Yad Hashmonah, Israel
Love is often described as one of the most powerful forces in the world. It has the ability to bring people together, heal wounds, and change lives. As the Bible tells us in Corinthians 13, “the greatest of these is love.”
But what does it truly mean to know Yeshua through love? Like many, I was raised with certain beliefs about love and faith that were instilled in me by my parents and community. I felt the weight of expectation to be a model believer, but at the same time, I was living a secret life that did not honor God. My parents were devout believers and leaders in our faith community, and I felt the pressure to be just like them. I kept my bad actions hidden from my parents until they found out, which was an incredibly difficult and painful experience.
At that point, I felt relieved because I no longer had to pretend to be something I wasn't. I thought I could just leave Yeshua and the faith community behind and “move on” with my life. However, my parents' response to the situation was NOT what I expected. Despite everything I had done wrong, their love for me never wavered. They accepted me for who I was, flaws and all, and showed me the same love and forgiveness that Yeshua extends to us all.
Through their unwavering love, I was finally able to see Yeshua in a different light.
My attention was no longer focused on following rules and regulations, but on embracing His love and compassion for me, and also for others.
The Bible tells us that “God is love,” and this is evident in everything that Yeshua did during His time on earth. He loved the outcasts and the sinners, and showed them compassion and grace. Through His love, He was able to transform their lives and bring them closer to God. This is the kind of love that we should aspire to embody in our own lives.
As we reflect on the importance of love, we must remember that it is not just about the love that we receive, but also about the love that we give. It is about extending grace and forgiveness to those who have wronged us, and loving others unconditionally. Through our actions, we can show others the love of Yeshua and bring them closer to Him.
When we love a fellow human, we are reflecting Yeshua, and partaking in God's love for that fellow human. This is a great responsibility that carries tremendous power. Therefore, let us take this responsibility seriously and contend to embody the love of Yeshua in our daily lives. Through our actions, we can make a positive impact on others and bring them closer to God.
