In a world enshrouded by darkness, persuaded by its deceit and malignance, there is a ray of hope. That single ray of light is enough to penetrate the uttermost darkness; the darkest of the valleys and the trenches of the deep. That single ray of light and hope is love. Just as a mustard seed of faith can move a mountain, a single ray of love can touch hearts, form everlasting bonds and manifest God’s glory on earth.
The nature of love always appeared as an eternal mystery as I ventured to discover its meaning. As I discovered, there was more to be discovered and as I learned there was even more to learn. Yet, what are love and its nature? Is it sacrifice as according to John 3:16?
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Or is it kindness and helping the needy?
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17-18)
Yet, is love forgiveness?
“Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” (Luke 7:47)
The characteristics portrayed above are actions resulting from love, specifically sacrifice, helping the needy and forgiveness. Thus, it is important to realize that love is not simply speech or words of affirmation, but action resulting from a greater spiritual realization. It results in a personal inconvenience purely for the benefit of the other and in its purity lacking in ulterior motives. Love is seen as unconditional from the above verses. Yet, it does not fully describe love.
The Word expounds further into this matter by stating that God is love (1 John 4:8). As The Word is attributed to having the nature of God in His being, in the same way love is an unconditional state of being. Only by obtaining this state of being by the sacrifice of Yeshua Ha-Mashiach, Jesus the Messiah, can we truly express our love for others. Only in the state of being of love can we forgive our enemies, help the needy and sacrificially serve the way Christ commands because our acts are unconditional and independent of external circumstances; we act according to our nature – which is love.
The desires of the flesh are so strong that it is opposed to love and causes an altered state of mind that only by the redeeming work of the Holy One in Israel is it possible to renew our minds and conform to the character of Christ. It further clarifies why we must become like children before we can inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Little children rarely think of themselves when deciding to act; in their innocence they act without considering the consequence to themselves. As we age, we allow the wiles of the world to dictate our actions, forget our dreams of our youth and our perseverance to pursue our passions.
Let’s not forget 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to remind us the beauty and purity of love:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”