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Yahweh’s begotten children are to manifest His love in their lives. Are you exhibiting this type of love?

       At age 14 Todd Conner had an interest that surpassed even his enthusiasm for his high school football team. It was his baby brother Allen, born Oct.7, 1975. Todd loved Allen a great deal and their relationship grew, but it was shaken by tragedy.

      In November Allen’s body went limp in Todd’s arms. “Mother!” shouted Todd. “Something’s wrong!” Allen had suffered permanent kidney impairment. Two valves on the tubes leading from his bladder had malfunctioned, causing urine to back up into and damage Allen’s kidneys.

      Emergency surgery saved Allen’s life. His recovery was slow but by Dec. 15, 1976, Allen weighed 16 pounds and was ready for valve reimplantation surgery, which was a success.

      Allen’s wellbeing lasted only until July 1977, before his condition began deteriorating again. This was a painful period for Todd. He saw his brother lose what he had gained through surgery. No longer could Todd gallop around the house with Allen on his back shouting, “Go horsey!” Allen became so unsteady he could barely walk. Soon Todd’s relationship with Allen was reduced to carrying him.

      Doctors said Allen’s only hope was a kidney transplant. Todd quickly volunteered one of his. Initially, his parents were against the surgery because they feared that something might happen to Todd. With only one kidney, for instance, he might never play football.

      Tissue compatibility tests showed Todd to be the best choice as the donor. In counseling before the operation his feelings about football were discussed, but his love for Allen was still, greater. “I don’t care about that,” said Todd.

      On May 10, 1978, Todd was wheeled off to surgery. He heard Allen’s familiar voice crying out “Todd” as the baby, too was taken to surgery. “After today,” Todd reminded him, “you’re not going to hurt anymore.” But Allen’s concern at that point was only for Todd. “When they give me part of you, will you hurt?” Allen asked. “Nope” said Todd. “It won’t hurt me because you’re my brother.”

      The day after the surgery Todd and Allen greeted each other with kisses and repeated each other’s names. The surgery was successful, and Allen regained his strength. A year later Todd resumed football practice.

      The story of Todd and Allen proves Yahshua Messiah’s words, “Greater love than this has no one, that anyone should lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Todd was willing to risk his goals —and his life—for Allen. Of course, we in Yahweh’s Congregation know that Yahweh could have healed Allen, but the point of the story is the great amount of love Todd had for his brother.

The world lacks love

How many of us today openly exhibit the type of love Todd had for Allen? How much are we willing to give of ourselves—to sacrifice—for the benefit of others around us? Most human relationships do not exhibit this kind of love. They are damaged by the “get as much for me as I can” philosophy that has prevailed throughout history.

From the beginning we have been subject to these selfish pulls, authored by the fallen archangel Satan the devil. Cain murdered his brother Abel because he lacked brotherly love. His heart was filled with jealously because he wanted to get rather than give to his brother.

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah also reveals a breakdown in human relationships. The cherubs visiting Lot in the form of men were not safe. They were threatened with homosexual acts by Lot’s neighbors! Why did this situation exist? The citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah lacked love. Their problems went much further than homosexuality—the moral, social and spiritual fabric of the society was ripped beyond repair (Ezek 16:49-40). There were not even 10 men of good character in Sodom (Gen 18:32).

The end time—the time in which we now live—is compared to Sodom and Gomorrah (Luke 17:28-30). We see the same breakdown in human relationships. One out of two U.S marriages ends in divorce, and the surviving marriages are often unhappy. Homosexuality is increasing. Child abuse is a serious problem worldwide. Labor unrest abounds. Wars divide the nations of our planet.

All these conditions indicate a lack of love. They show that the world is going the way of the get philosophy rather than the give way of life. All these breakdowns in human relationships produce the same thing—unhappiness! Unhappiness for the person failing to show love, and misery for the person experiencing the lack of love.

Educators, sociologists, psychologists, philosophers and religious leaders vainly attempt to determine the underlying reasons for the present state of man. But only one source strips away human reason and gives us the true answer: Yahweh’s Holy Word.

The Bible reveals the cause of breakdowns in human relationships: “From where come conflicts and fighting’s from among you? Is it not from your lusts warring in your members?” (Jacob. 4:1). The conditions in the world persist because man has rejected the way of Yahweh! People cut off from Yahweh are subject to the lusts of the flesh (Rom 1:18-32).

What about the Congregation?

But can Yahweh’s Congregation lack love? Yahweh calls this Congregation age the Philadelphian Era (Rev 3:7). The word Philadelphia means “brotherly love.”

However, Yahshua warned that because of the sinful environment around us, the love of many in the Congregation would wax cold in the end time (Mat 24:12). We, as disciples, live in a modern Sodom and Gomorrah. This environment weakens our ability to love one another.

The environment of ancient Corinth was extremely corrupt as well. It was notorious for sexual looseness. Believers in that city were adversely affected.

Paul wrote that the Corinthian Congregation was full of envy, strife, and division (1st Cor 3:1- 3). One man committed incest with his stepmother; this was not a hidden sin but one that was freely accepted by other members (1st Cor 5:1-2).

Congregation members were unable to resolve their problems among themselves, and foolishly went to the judges of the world (1st Cor 6:1).

What love produces

These problems reveal a congregation lacking proper love. In response, Paul showed them how love should work in the Congregation—what it should produce among Congregation members.

The Congregation is one spiritual Body made up of many members, each of them important — just as a physical body is made up of different but equally important parts. With this established, Paul showed the need for appreciating one another. In fact, those who appear the least deserving of appreciation are to be shown the most! The purpose for this attitude among believers is to produce unity and empathy for each other (1st Cor 12:13-26).

How wonderful it is when the children of Elohim respect and appreciate one another. It breeds a far different atmosphere than does a corrupt world that hinders people from showing love. Furthermore, this atmosphere of brotherly love stimulates the love of Yahweh.

What, then, is love? Love begins with the keeping of Yahweh’s law. Many people today think Yahweh’s law is done away. But the Bible reveals that it is only through the knowledge of Yahweh’s law that we know what sin is (Rom. 3:20, 1st John 3:4). We enjoy the fruits of Yahweh’s love by putting His law to work in our lives (Rom 2:13, Jacob 1:22). Yahweh’s law doesn’t harm your neighbor—it helps him. Keeping Yahweh’s law shows him love (Rom 13:8-10). More than that, Yahweh’s love is a product of Yahweh’s Spirit working in us (Rom 5:5).

By utilizing His Spirit, and the tools of prayer, bible study, meditation and fasting we produce obedience to Him and develop right attitudes and approaches to life. Then, those around us are affected by Elohim’s love that flows through us.

These character traits of Elohim’s love are beautifully described in 1st Corinthians 13, where love is broken down into the attributes it produces in believers and the benefits it offers people around them. Each part is worthy of careful consideration.

Love suffereth long (1st Cor 13:4). Patience is needed when things go wrong, so we will suffer without anger or discouragement. It comes from understanding the other person’s weaknesses, just as Yahweh understands our weaknesses and exhibits great patience towards us. How much happier we all are if this trait is practiced, because it produces a more relaxed feeling within ourselves and others. Yahweh expects us to have the same mercy for others as He does for us (Rom 2:1-5).

Is kind (1st Cor 13:4). Kindness is responding to the needs of others. Much of Yahshua’s life was spent meeting the needs of others through healings and other miraculous events. He performed miracles out of compassion (Mat 9:36, 14:14, 15:32), which is a combination of sympathy for someone in distress and a desire to alleviate his or her problem. Yahshua acted out of deep sympathy and sorr ow for the plight of those around Him (Isa 53:3-4). So ought we.

Envies not (1st Cor 13:4). Envy prevents us from rejoicing at the success of others. It cripples personal relationships (Prov 27:4). It led to Yahshua’s death at the hands of the Jews (Mat 27:18). How much better it is to be grateful for the accomplishments of others! It builds much warmer and more secure relationships. It helps others reach their full potential without fear of hurt. Aren’t you happier when your successes are appreciated? When envy is removed, appreciation is possible.

Vaunts not itself, is not puffed up (1st Cor 13:4). Love eliminates pride, which separates us from others because we feel superior. Feelings of self-superiority should warn us that love is missing in our lives; this separates us from Yahweh and men (Prov 16:18, 29:23). When pride is eliminated, love replaces it and draws us together, because we hold other people in higher esteem than ourselves. We see our own weaknesses more clearly and focus on the strengths of others. We can share our fears and failures with others (Jacob 5:16). Humility is an important ingredient in producing Yahweh’s love.

Doth not behave itself unseemly (1st Cor 13:5). Good manners are an expression of love. They show our concern for others when we act out of humility. We should question our actions to see if they are done in good taste. Yahweh tells us to show honor and follow the rules of custom (Rom 13:7) Our society has faltered in this trait and discarded etiquette and proper behavior.

Seeks not her own (1st Cor 13:5). Yahweh’s love acting in us will make us more generous; we will have the give attitude that motivates Yahweh Himself. We will think as much or more of others as we do of ourselves. The way of selfishness and get has caused all this world’s evils, but a believer will not demand to have his own way at the expense of others.

Is not easily provoked (same verse). Love eliminates wrong anger. When Yahweh gave us His Spirit at baptism, He intended that we conduct ourselves according to His character and that we be of the same mind as Yahshua (1st Tim 1:7, Phil 2:5). Yahshua was compassionate, sympathetic, slow to anger (Neh 9:17). Should not we be so in dealing with the unconverted, and even our brethren?

There is a time for righteous indignation (Eph 4:26). Yahshua Himself was angry on occasion, but He channeled His aggression perfectly. Wrong anger results from our lack of patience, kindness, generosity, courtesy and unselfishness. One slow to anger is better than the mighty (Prov 16:32). Remember that a soft answer turns away wrath (Prov 15:1).

Thinks no evil (1st Cor 13:5). Yahweh’s way is one of forgiving and forgetting the evil deeds of others, when repented of. It replaces unnecessary suspicion with trust. This approach builds friendship. Stop and analyze how much this world suffers because of evil thought.

..    Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth (verse 6). A person filled with love doesn’t like to see others sin and suffer the consequences. Instead he enjoys the truth that frees a person from sin and unhappiness. As Yahshua said, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Bears all things (1st Cor 13:7). Love doesn’t avoid obligations. It is willing to take on responsibilities. And you carry the excess load of one another, and thus complete yourself in the instruction of Messiah (Gal 6:2). Yahshua gladly took upon Himself the burden of being our Savior (John 10:17-18). It required a tremendous sacrifice, but His love for us made it possible. We need the same love for others.

Believes all things (1st Cor 13:7). Believing all things doesn’t remove us from reality. It makes more real to us that Yahweh is about to usher in His perfect government to replace today’s pitiful societies. History has shown that we cannot believe in man’s ways, but we will soon all believe Yahweh. We are frequently too negative – we doubt instead of believe.

Consider Yahweh’s optimism. “And Yahshua said to His disciples, Truly I say to you that a rich man will with great difficulty enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. And again, I say to you, it is easier for a heavy rope to pass through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Yahweh. And His disciples were exceedingly astonished when they heard this, saying, who then is able to gain eternal life? But having looked at them, Yahshua said to them, with men this is impossible, but with Yahweh all things are possible” (Mat 19:23-26).

When you are burdened with trials and troubles ask yourself, “Do I believe Yahweh?”

Hopes all things (1st Cor 13:7). Believers’ love is filled with hope for the future. There is the hope generated by Yahweh’s presence in our lives and in the lives of others. There is the ultimate hope of Yahweh’s Kingdom being established and having a part in it. We are to lay hold of this hope (Heb 6:18)—when we are filled with it, we will radiate happiness.

Endures all things (1st Cor 13:7). Love endures hardship. It helps us have the right attitude when things are difficult. True believers cause all things to work for good (Rom 8:28). Endurance is essential for salvation. (Mat 24:13). We must have it to face the frightening events to precede Yahshua’s return to earth.

Yahweh is love

Relationships work well when love is present in them. When it isn’t, unhappy relationships exist. This is true among marital partners, family members, friends, casual acquaintances, fellow employees and members of Yahweh’s Congregation. We all need love to make our relationships work.

Yahweh is love (1st John 4:8) ! Love literally emanates from Him.

Everything Yahweh has created for us and is doing through us is done in love. What greater example of love is there than the fantastic plan Yahweh has designed to change humans into literal children of the Yahweh Family?

By following Yahshua’s example and obeying Yahweh’s laws, we can have the right relationships among ourselves. By submitting ourselves to Yahweh we can be prepared to enter His Kingdom. The Kingdom of Yahweh will be based on love—and we must grow in Yahweh’s love to be there! “And this I pray for, that your love may still increase and abound, in knowledge, and in all spiritual understanding” (Phil 1:9).