On Wednesday August twenty-first year of our Adon twenty-twenty-four, i wrote the following down in my study notes.
Question: How do you approach life or what is your approach to life? Answer: Micah 6:8 “He has shown you Oh man what is good and what does Adonai require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your Elohim.”
Yahoshua = Torah (the Word made flesh) = Instruction (this is the basic meaning of Torah, not law as it has been translated, although not entirely wrong certainly misleading)
Act justly = live the instruction (If you follow My statutes and commands) Love mercy = Show mercy, as we are shown mercy (If we forgive others we are forgiven, the opposite is also true, if we DO NOT forgive, we will not be forgiven) Walk Humbly = i don’t know everything (shocker) but Yahoshua is my instruction (Yahoshua = the Word made flesh, Paul said, “imitate me as I imitate Messiah.” Yahoshua = the Word = Torah = Instruction)
Micah 7:19 “He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”
Sabbaths, feast days, Torah, Yahoshua . . . my daily prayer for all on my prayer list, “Grant us wisdom to know You, discernment to choose You, continued grace and mercy; and teach us to LOVE as YOU LOVE and not as the world loves.”
Love — Passion — Compassion Yahoshua wept over Jerusalem. 1. Because of their soon rejection 2. Because of its coming destruction 3. Because of His great love and passion for them As Yahoshua hung on the tree, He said, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Can i love others (and myself), the way Yahoshua loves me? Can i forgive others (and myself), the way Yahoshua forgives me? “…You cast all [my] sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19
Matthew 9:13 — “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Here Yahoshua is quoting Hosea 6:6, “For I desire mercy [steadfast love] and not sacrifice, the knowledge of Elohim rather than burnt offerings.” Micah records this similarly 6:8, “He has shown you Oh man what is good and what does Adonai require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your Elohim.”
Yahoshua, instruct me today on how to live for You in this way!
i hope my notes help you in some way today. If you have questions please feel free to leave a comment or email me at cjwillblogit@outlook.com
i have always said that love is a choice it is not an emotion or feeling. However, there are blocks to love which are emotions, and feelings based on experience unforgiveness, anger, and hurt. The opposite is also true, good experiences and positive emotions and feelings like joy, happiness, and forgiveness. These are gateways that make choosing love easy. The devil does his best to accuse Elohim in our hearts. To get you to be angry at Him and others. Satan knows this well. If he can make you angry and dwell in hurt, your heart will harden. Then, choosing love will be nearly impossible. Because love blossoms out of forgiveness.
Humanity is a willing, unwilling, and unaware participant in Satan’s plan. So it’s easy to be angry even cynical of all of this . . . the world, politics, family, friends, life. Yet, even with such an advisory we are told to love. When Yahoshua was asked what the greatest commandment was He said, “30 Love YHWH your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31) He was referencing Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18.
The definition of love found in a dictionary is unbelievably mangled. As it will define it from loving one’s family, pet, or food, to intercourse, and a love affair. This definition is why society is so lost. We have taken the very thing Elohim rates at the top of His list for humanity and we have diluted it in a cesspool. There are different words for love within the recorded texts of Scripture, Storge, Phileo, Eros, and Agape. (The following definitions are from the website Biblestudytools.com)
Storge: Storge love is the care that exists between family members, friends, or companions. Longer-lasting, it goes beyond an initial infatuation or attraction. Built on a familiarity between people, the emphasis of storge is on devotion and intimacy that develops over time.
Phileo: Phileo most often describes a relationship between people, one of generous warmth for another. But in a broader sense, it can also apply to churches and even cities. The basis of this common bond is shared beliefs, values or interests.
Eros: Eros love is a the kind of affection meant to describe a healthy, sensual love between husband and wife. Romance and physical attraction play a part in it. God [Elohim] gave us this kind of desire with the clear instruction to express it only within the bonds of marriage.
Agape: Agape love is probably the most talked about of the four kinds of love. It is the highest, most complete form of affection. God’s [Elohim’s] love for us is the foundation of this love. And Jesus [Yahoshua] gave us many lessons about and examples of agape – a strong, selfless and sacrificial love – during His earthly ministry.
Based on the greatest commandment to Love [Agape] Elohim with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And the second love [Storge/Phileo] your neighbor you can see how this becomes more of a choice than an emotion. One must choose to love and in order to choose love, one must remove the obstacles that would hinder the ability to love as commanded.
If human love flows from forgiveness then perhaps this is why Yahoshua prayed, “forgive us our sins as we forgive . . .” those who trespass or are in debt to us so that we can love. Divine love flows from gratitude. Therefore it requires counting our blessings. However, if Satan can make you miserable, unforgiving, and fearful, it becomes nearly impossible to love your neighbor. He creates doubt and grievances, making it hard to love your enemy. Not to mention it makes it challenging to love Elohim with every fiber of your being.
i am not dismissing the difficulty in forgiveness, especially when one has been hurt, emotionally, physically, or both. i am not dismissing the difficulty in forgiving one’s self for failure. It is challenging to forgive oneself for hurting someone emotionally or physically. Experiencing loss tragically or unexpectedly adds to the difficulty. For all the barriers of choosing love, choosing forgiveness is the hardest. It isn’t just forgiving others, one must also forgive themselves. Satan works extremely hard to get one to believe they are not deserving of forgiveness. This belief makes one feel as if they are unlovable. This internal struggle stems from ones heart whether anger, fear, hurt, or trauma. And if one is unloved or unlovable, it is nearly impossible for them to love others.
Here is the good news, in Yahoshua Messiah, there is forgiveness for He loves you! One only needs to recognize that in Yahoshua there is the fullness of Agape love. It is complete with forgiveness, and then accept it. If you can understand this then you are on the road to wholeness. i have found that when one truly seeks to Agape Elohim with their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength it becomes necessary to evaluate life from HIS perspective.
If all of the law and the prophets (what we call the Old Testament). Hangs on these two, love Elohim and love your neighbor. Knowing what that means from the beginning is vital. Micah 6:8 says, “Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the YHWH requires of you: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your Elohim.” If Elohim is the same yesterday, today, and forever, learning His ways as one grafted into Israel is a sign of affection. it is Agape. As a member of Israel by way of graft i am part of the new covenant which is spelled out in Jeremiah and Hebrews.
Jeremiah 31:31-34 — 31 Look, the days are coming” — this is YHWH’s declaration — “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. 32 “This one will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt — my covenant that they broke even though I am their husband”— YHWH’s declaration. 33 “Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days” — YHWH’s declaration. “I will put my teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their Elohim, and they will be my people. 34 “No longer will one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know YHWH,’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them” — this is YHWH’s declaration. “For I will forgive their iniquity and never again remember their sin.”
Hebrews 8:7-13 — 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion for a second one. 8 But finding fault with his people, he says: “See, the days are coming, says YHWH, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah —9 not like the covenant that I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt. I showed no concern for them, says YHWH, because they did not continue in my covenant. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says YHWH: I will put my Torah into their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their Elohim, and they will be my people. 11 And each person will not teach his fellow citizen, and each his brother or sister, saying, “Know YHWH,” because they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them. 12 For I will forgive their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins.13 By saying a new covenant, he has declared that the first is obsolete. And what is obsolete and growing old is about to pass away.”
The old covenant written on tablets and parchment. It has been rewritten on the hearts and the minds of the people of Elohim. The prophets taught the people to obey the very Torah. Yahoshua, the WORD made flesh, also taught His disciples to obey it. This Torah is written on the heart and mind of the people of Elohim. If we love Him we will obey Him, we are not a people of lawlessness but a people of Elohim. Set apart and marked by His covenant and sealed with the signs of His commandments, His feasts, His Torah.
i am forgiven, learning to forgive myself, learning to forgive others . . . Choosing to love Elohim and my neighbor. Learning to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my Elohim. Agreeing with the accuser, satan, as he accuses me before the Father. Yet, holding fast to my Advocate, my High Priest, my Savior, Yahoshua Ha’Mashiah.
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:9-14
We must seek to do the WILL of the Father, love Elohim with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength; likewise our neighbor as ourselves. Love our enemies, “Forgive them for they know NOT what they do” (Said, Yahoshua on the cross and Stephen under a pile of rubble). It is going to become increasingly hard to love others, to love our enemies. Especially, once they begin to turn on us in spite of the love we have shown. They will assume they are doing what is right. Much like the brown shirts of Germany. They thought they were doing what is right by turning in the Jewish people and those who would help them. Even Paul admitted that he thought his zeal for YHWH gave him the right to persecute the Believers of the WAY.
It will come first from within. We see it already within the Church as it splits into the right, left, paradigm. False teachers have sprung up and are tickling the ears of many and in the midst of them are the ignorant. Persecutions are nothing new. We in the west don’t understand fully the weight because we have been blessed to live in the freedom of religion capital of the world. The early church wasn’t as lucky. The Apostles with the exception of John were all murdered for their belief. Some will say that John being exiled on the island of Patmos was a sever punishment, if only i would be exiled on an island. i would go in a heartbeat, but that’s a different story.
i recently saw a story about Christian persecution around the world and how it is increasingly common. India surprisingly, with only a single digit percentage of Christians is under increasing persecution. Of course China, but places like Ireland are also on the list. Of course the many countries on the African continent is a hotbed for persecution against Christians. So what will happen when that persecution really turns up on believers around the world? Well, Yahoshua said, many will be offended. i am one that believes this isn’t just those outside the “Church” i believe those who think of themselves as Christians will be offended by the Truth of the Word and turn on their fellowship thinking they are doing a service to the greater good. For the sake of coexisting, of course.
Even now we have believers who relish in the fall of other believers. They point fingers, laugh and applaud, rather than weep, and pray for them, reaching out in love as the word declares, in order to restore them. We treat them like a hot-potato and the sooner they are gone the better. Few things hurt more than having those you love, cheer your biggest struggles. The question is this; Can one forgive and live under true persecution? Like many around the world, can you stand up in the face of death? Can you endure to the end, even if that end is a martyr’s death? Because of this persecution, the love of many will grow cold. Not just the persecution, but the lawlessness.
Yahoshua, also talked about the increase in lawlessness. Who’s law? Man’s law or Elohim’s law? As the world increasingly decriminalizes things it certainly can’t be man’s laws that lawlessness abounds in . . . Certainly, Yahoshua was referring to the increase of lawlessness to the Word, to the laws of Elohim. But what laws is He talking about since many in the Church believe the old covenant is gone? This is a slippery slop for the church and they don’t even realize they are on it. Yahoshua, said, depart from Me you who practice lawlessness, this is the same lawlessness that is increasing in the world.
We need to get back to the fundamentals of walking with Yahoshua. Follow His example, which will ensure that we are counted worthy of persecution. That seems counter intuitive but it is truth. We must walk in love that says, go and sin no more. We must walk in love that picks up the broken-hearted, helps the widow and the orphan. We must walk in love that puts others first. We must walk in love that does justly, loves mercy, and walks humbly with YHWH.
Endure to the end, do not stop loving and sharing the good news of salvation in Yahoshua who takes away the sin of the world. This message will reach the ends of the earth . . . Endure to the end!
“I will bear the indignation of YHWH because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out to the light; I shall look upon His vindication.” Micah 7:9
Self-inflicted wounds are the hardest to overcome. No one likes to be constantly confronted with poor choices compounded by the stresses of everyday life. Yet, many people quietly struggle with this daily. Fearing the judgment of others, gossips, and rumors, many sink into a pit of despair, like quicksand, the struggling heart soon finds itself suffocated and overwhelmed. And with no one to blame but ones self, grief and depression sets in and the desire for an escape increases. These are the catalyst’s for depression which leads to imbalance and addiction.
Life is full of up’s and down’s. Some up’s are really High and some down’s are really low. Many try to achieve highs and lows artificially, through drugs, alcohol, or other vices. The addiction of reaching artificial states comes with unmanageable lows which scream for the next high, even if the next high is a low. The desire for these highs and lows are birthed in the consciousness of a person who is seeking to fill an emptiness within their soul. The addiction becomes the filler because, the devil is a liar. There is a remedy.
Depression works much the same way. A chemically or otherwise imbalanced individual hits a low and looks for the high. If untreated those highs will come at a price, if at all. Depression leads to a great number of death by suicide. The only escape one can see in the darkness. The devil is a liar. There is a door. There is a hymn that says, “There is room at the cross for you, although millions have come, there is still room for one, there is room at the cross for you.”
Yahoshua is that door for both the addict and the depressed, as well as all others, the sinner and lost alike. He is there and He is willing and able to lift those who seek Him, who call on His Name out of the low’s of life. Life the prodigal son returning home. Remember it was at the cross while Yahoshua was dying a torturous death, He said, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” There is hope for the sinner. He said, “Woman, behold your son. Son, behold your mother.” There is hope for the mourning, the depressed, the one lost in confusion, doubt, and despair. There truly is room at the cross for you.
For those who have and will come to Yahoshua, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-28
“But what does it say? ‘The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Yahoshua is Adonai and believe in your heart that Elohim raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Adonai is Adon of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of Adonai will be saved.’” Romans 10:8-13
Yahoshua, Thank You, for going out of the way to bring me into The Way. Thank You, for loving me. We can be confident in knowing that those who are in Messiah Yahoshua will remain in Him by His mercy and grace. Yet, we are still warned;
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. Elohim is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide THE WAY of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Yahoshua is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. He is also THE WAY of escape from temptations and trials. i read a very interesting book recently called, “70×7 and Beyond,” written by Monty Christensen. What an amazing testimony he has shared in the pages of this book. If you haven’t read it consider this my 10/10 recommendation and enthusiastic endorsement of it, you should read this book! After reading it i had a renewed sense of vigor, in spite of where my life was in the moment of reading it, and that same sense is still with me. Although, admittedly, i struggle with exactly how to live in it i know that whatever the future holds, Yahoshua is not only holding it, He is guiding me to and through it.
Psalm 37:4-5 states: “Delight yourself in YHWH, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to YHWH; trust in Him, and He will act.”
John 1:4 says: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”
John 1:11-13 reads: “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of Elohim, who were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of Elohim.”
Yahoshua didn’t see prostitutes or tax collectors, Yahoshua saw people. He saw potential. He saw meaning. He saw purpose. And He was willing to lay down His life for what He saw. His prayer as i went over in another recent post shows us a glimpse into His heart. “. . .—to know You, the only true Elohim, and Yahoshua Messiah, the One You sent to the earth.” (John 17:2-3) He wants us to know Him, to believe in Him, to trust in Him.
As people, created and fallen, full of sin and dysfunction, He has compassion on us and He understands what we are going through. As Monty points out in his book, 70×7 and Beyond, Elohim is so full of grace that He forgives us even when we stumble and fail in our trials and temptations. So even if we have fallen He stands ready to help us up. He also challenges us to live a life that is full of grace and mercy, forgiving others in like manner 70×7 and Beyond!
“Then Peter came up and said to Him, ‘Adonai, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive Him? As many as seven times?’ Yahoshua said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.’” Matthew 18:21-22
The Way to Life is Yahoshua, who forgave, and forgives. This is The Way.
“And when He (Yahoshua) drew near and saw the city, (Jerusalem) He wept over it, saying, ‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.’” Luke 19:41-42
Yahoshua, knowing the future fate of Jerusalem, wept for He knew what was to come of not only the city but those who dwelt within its walls. As we look out at humanity and those living without the knowledge or hope of the Savior we too should weep. Our hearts should break also for the faithful who have made poor decisions, struggled or stumbled. (Good Intentions) Yet, unfortunately the church is the first to pick up stones, to cast judgment, and to condemn. This should not be so.
The writer to the Romans points out in the twelfth chapter (16-21), “Live in harmony with with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of Elohim, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says YHWH.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Taking joy in another’s misery is not at all how Yahoshua lived. He wept over Jerusalem and their apathy. He knew their hearts. Elohim knows the heart; there is nothing hid from Him. We need to trust His judgment whether we see it or not and not weary ourselves. What we should be worried about is Matthew 25:31-46. The final judgment of Elohim where Yahoshua will separate the sheep and the goats, not the worlds definition of these two terms but Elohim’s. The world has inverted these two, they say it is bad to be a sheep and good to be a goat yet we are told here in Matthew the opposite. To the sheep He will say, “‘I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Adonai, when did we see you hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome You, or naked and clothe You? And when did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me.’” The goats will ask the same question but the answer they are given is that they did none of these to the least.
We must have the heart of Yahoshua, not the heart of Jonah. We must live from a place of forgiveness and compassion. The key to forgiveness is forgiving. We are instructed in Adon’s prayer, “and forgive us our sins, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” He expounds on this just a few verses later (Matthew 6:12, 14-15), “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” It is from a heart of forgiveness that i try to live. It certainly isn’t easy, and i require constant reminders and patience in prayer to do so but it is my hearts desire to live in a place of forgiveness. It is foundational. And it is i believe wrapped up in the final statement of Yahoshua during His sermon on the mount.
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rains fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:24-27
Storms are nothing new to me, mostly of my own doing, even if stirred by others looking for lightning to strike me dead. If we do what was taught, then on the day when the trials or testing come, we can be confident our response will show a foundation built on the rock of Yahoshua. The other option, the sand of self-will and worldly wisdom, only leads to a total collapse. Our hearts are revealed in this matter as well when we look at the plight of others, even if the plight is self inflicted. The sting of the cheers is hurtful and heartbreaking. May our hearts align with Yahoshua, may we weep, and may we pray, and may we build upon the ROCK.
“For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses.” Matthew 6:14-15
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our sins from us.” (Psalm 103:12) It is a wonderful promise to be forgiven in such away that our sin is removed as far as the east is from the west. We love the idea that Elohim forgives in such away. Oh to have our sins blotted out. “Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.” (Psalm 51:1) Everyone wants to be forgiven, but many do not like to forgive. We desire that our sins be not remembered, but we hold grudges, make lists, remembering the wrongs others have committed. Some would say it is human nature. True, our nature since the garden has been in opposition of our Creator. We are by nature sinners and because of that nature we must desire mercy. Both to receive mercy from the Father and to grant mercy to each other.
This is easier said than done.
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.” Matthew 18:23-27
As in this parable, the servant desired mercy, begged for it. The king showing mercy forgave the man his debt. We plead for forgiveness from the Father through Yahoshua. We need it because the debt is too great, we will never be able to pay it, only by the grace, and mercy of our Adonai Yahoshua ha’Mashiah do we have forgiveness. This is a fact. And we are instructed to forgive and as Yahoshua teaches His disciples to pray He sets in the foundation a reminder, “As we forgive our debtors.” By our nature we need the reminders, as the parable illustrates, it continues:
“But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.” Matthew 18:28-30
This is our nature. We love forgiveness but find it hard to forgive. But by the empowering of the Spirit of Elohim, it would be impossible. Have you seen the internet lately? What we need in this world is more grace and mercy. Yahoshua, continues with the parable:
“When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.” Matthew 18:31-34
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Mashiah, Elohim forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
The importance of forgiveness from a health standpoint goes without saying. Study after study shows the impact forgiveness has on the heart, and the mind. It is a healthy choice to forgive. But that isn’t the most important reason to forgive, it is in fact most important in forgiveness. As Yahoshua concludes the parable:
“So also My Heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:35
One might ask how many times are we to forgive someone? Peter asked the same thing. In fact the parable i just used above comes directly after Yahoshua answers Peter’s question. Adonai tells Peter, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” The point, a lot. Even when it hurts.
“And they were stoning Stephen as he was calling and saying, ‘Adonai Yahoshua, receive my spirit.’ And kneeling down he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Adonai, do not hold this sin against them.’ And having said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59-60
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as Adonai forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
Be encouraged; seek unity; love one another; These three statements are becoming increasingly difficult to live. Yet, throughout the New Testament we are told to live this way. How are we to be encouraged when looking at the direction of this world, unless one chooses to live in ignorance? How is one to seek unity when every issue is so divisive? How are we to love one another in such a fractured world? i don’t pretend to know all the answers but let me at least point us in a direction to explore.
Be encouraged. There’s a war, rumors of wars, violence of every kind, inflation at never before seen levels, pandemics, a food shortage brewing, and the list could continue. So how exactly is one to “be encouraged?” Here are a few verses to ponder. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 “For Elohim did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Adonai Yahshua ha’Mashiah, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort (encourage) each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” Here is one that i find personally encouraging, Luke 21:28 “But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Seek unity. We are being divided by, race, gender identity, social economic classes, political affiliation, vaccine status, pro this or anti that, and the absolute vitriol that comes from certain sides is frightening as it is full of unseen hypocrisy by those spewing it. Yet, let us consider these words. Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Is this calling us to compromise? Not at all! Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Elohim’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Later in this passage it says; “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18). This brings us to . . .
Love one another. How do you love someone who seemingly hates you? How do you show love to one who uses you or is evil? The Romans passage continues (12:19-21) “Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of Elohim, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says YWHW. ‘But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Colossians 3:12-14 puts it this way; “Therefore, as chosen ones of Elohim, holy and beloved, put on compassion, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other if anyone has a complaint against another, indeed as Messiah forgave you so also should you forgive.”
There is one point i feel needs to be made. When talking about unity, or love, or encouraging one another, in the context of the Church it is done to and for the unity of the Body of Believers. It is through our love for fellow believers of the WAY, that we achieve unity in the Body of Messiah and are able to truly encourage one another. It is in this genuine fellowship that those that are not of the WAY see us as a light on a hill, set apart, different. And in that we hope for the opportunity to share the Gospel of our Messiah Yahshua. Yes, we love everyone. Yes, we encourage, and yes we seek to live in unity with all, however, not at the expense of our commitment to holiness found in Yahshua ha’Mashiah.
Therefore, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25
There is an old song, hymn really, called “Grace Greater Than All Our Sin.” It dates back to 1911, and it is full of . . . well, grace. Here is the refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin.
You know what we lack in these days? You might have guessed it, grace! Just look at the comment section of any hot topic on Facebook or Twitter or any social media platform, and you will see some of the ugliest comments imaginable. Not only that, but you will see that many folks will agree with the comment, judgment, or condemnation. For instance, i was reading an article on the arrest of the Florida Pastor who went against the state orders to not congregate. The comment section was alarming, scary even. Here are some:
“Should arrest all of the people that showed up as well and put them on the front lines without any PPE’s working as volunteers in the emergency room since they clearly don’t think they ‘re going to be affected.”
“Plays right into his favor. He and his followers will delight they are being persecuted for their beliefs, and will count it as a blessing. They will pray harder and sing louder, and most importantly, rejoice they are being persecuted in god’s name and getting coverage.”
“Arrest him, jail him, and gain access to his money. Take away his tax-exempt status.”
“Every fool that attended the services should be last in line for ventilators or ICU beds. The pastor and his wife shouldn’t even be allowed into a hospital parking lot. They can self-heal at home.”
Regardless of how you feel about this or the decision to continue to meet against the government’s orders. The reality is there is a huge lack of grace or compassion expressed in these replies. And that should alarm anyone, believer or non-believer. We must always err on the side of grace. How many times are we to forgive someone? “and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” (Luke 17:4) That doesn’t necessarily say that there will be no consequence for the action. It only puts that consequence in the hands of the ones who can enact them. Romans 13:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-17; 1 Peter 3:13-17 . . .
Here is my point. We need more grace in this world! We need to live out the forgiveness that we ourselves claim in the name of Jesus. We must live in such a way that brings honor and glory to our Heavenly Father. Be more grace-filled today!
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God’s grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin.
He said, “sit,” and he sat. He said, “lay down,” and he laid down. He said, “roll over,” and he rolled over. He said, “beg,” and he sat up, leaned back slightly with his paws up as he looked longingly into his master’s eyes. He said, “BANG!” And he fell back and played dead. It is amazing what you can teach a dog to do. And these are just simple tricks. i have seen some dog acts where i think the dogs are part human or something. Dogs are trained to help police, military, the blind, and disabled, they are used as emotional support animals in hospitals, and homes. They are remarkable animals. They are always happy to see you, no matter how long you have been gone, 10 seconds, 10 hours, or 10 days. Even 10 months or more! i have watched some emotional videos of soldiers coming home after deployment, and their dogs go absolutely insane with joy. “Dogs, a man’s best friend,” that is what they say anyway.
i have had a few dogs in my lifetime. None could do many tricks. Shake, sit, and lay down, simple commands were about it. You know what most of them could do, though? Get into the trash, relieve themselves in the house, bark at nothing, dig up the yard, shed all over the house more fur than could possibly be imagined, and yet they never went bald, if i were only so lucky. Yet in all of this, they were loved, correction quickly forgotten, and belly rubbings promptly reinstated. Why all this for a dog? Loyalty, that is really the only word i can come up with, loyalty. Dogs are loyal to the very end. It is what makes forgiving them so easy. If only we were able to forgive others as quickly if only others were so loyal.
The parable of the Prodigal son found in Luke 15:11-32 tells a tale of a greedy and ungrateful son. He wanted his inheritance while his father still lived. His father obliged. After squandering his inheritance, he found himself destitute and wishing he could even just eat like the pigs. But not even that was offered. He reasoned to go home where his father’s servants had food to spare. Determined to seek his father’s forgiveness and beg to be treated like one of his servants, he set out for his former home. What greeted him, he was not prepared. His father gave him the best, returned the family ring, and killed the fatted calf in celebration for his son, who was dead, was now alive again. Not dead in the physical sense but gone in the emotional sense had returned humbled by life with sorrow in his soul.
Jesus goes on in this story to relate it to how our Heavenly Father looks at us. We are not dogs, trained to do this or that, but we are dogs that even when we mess up, love is just behind the correction. Forgiveness awaits the sorrowful, repentant heart. Never be so proud to come home, never feel so lost that you can’t seek the Father. The Lord, who loves you, waits eagerly for you, He is watching the horizon for a glimpse of your approach. When He sees you, He runs to meet you, love you, and celebrate your return! Come to Jesus! Come back to Jesus! He longs to have mercy on you.
The Way of the Rabbi 