GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 457 January 16, 2013
"Loving One Another"
"Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I AM THE LORD," Leviticus 19:18.
Clearly the word of God STARTS AT THE BEGINNING – back to the Old Testament. And, His truth is not just for the children of the people of Israel, alone; for, when we come to the New Testament, the same truth is spoken by Jesus, God's Son. We are told to love our enemies and "...bless them that spitefully use you" (Mt 5:44).
Without His grace, love is not easy; especially, to persecutors and enemies. But, Jesus said to "love those who persecute you" Matt. 5:44). Thus, by His grace, our heart opens up and we obey. We must. And, how thankful we are the Holy Spirit moves us to do so. Why, it's not even a tough thing to do. Proverbs tells us that "Love covers all transgressions" (Prov. 10:12 b).And, from the beginning, LOVE is the key to knowing God. We read that He"...demonstrates His love while we were yet sinners" Rom. 5:8. The good LORD so loved the world that He gave Jesus to save us. His love is remarkable, bringing joy to our hearts, causing us to obey.
Then, notice the words of John, the Beloved. "...God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God in him" (1 John 4:16 b). Every time I read that verse my heart jumps for joy. It makes me to want to know His will. As He speaks, I love the lost and the brethren. I want them know that I'm around, always; that they can call on me at all times.