Shabbat shalom to everyone!
Many people lack the love of the truth, while many lack the truth of love. Or stated otherwise, some have a love of the truth, but lack the truth of love.
The following was written by Jerry and posted in the comments section of this blog in response my recent post on Mark 9:38–50 entitled, “Elohim Hates Contention and Strife.”
His comments speak such profound spirit and truth truths in such a simple way that I felt compelled by the Ruach to share them here for all to read. This is the heart of Yeshua and the Father. Thank you Jerry for transmitting to us what YHVH has given to you. This is the body of Yeshua edifying itself.
Please read and ponder. — Natan
Here is another clear and simple admonition to add to the other good references you have provided:
PURSUE SHALOM WITH EVERYONE, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Heb 12:14)
Many lack a LOVE OF THE TRUTH, while many others lack THE TRUTH OF LOVE. It used to be my nature, and is still the nature of many, to presume I was pursuing a love of the truth, while I was yet falling far short of the truth of love.
True love pursues shalom with everyone, even as it pursues and defends a love of the truth.
We must not compromise His truth OR His love. We must grow up and be mature in the likeness the character of His love – humility, meekness, patience, and kindness – even as we are to grow up and be mature in the knowledge of and obedience to His truth. This is true strength! It is not strength being an arrogant “big mouth”! It is weakness! Being free from the fear of man does not mean being free from the fear of Adonai.
I think the following admonitions of Messiah are quite applicable:
You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evildoer. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…Therefore be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Mat 5:38-39a, 43-44, 48)
If we are commanded by Messiah to even love our enemies who persecute us, how much more are we to love those who are our “neighbors ” who only disagree with us?
It is a shame and a misrepresentation of His name that many who seem to so highly esteem themselves in their knowledge of “the truth”, so lowly esteem Him in their knowledge of His character. Maybe this is some of what the commandment means, “You shall not take the Name of Adonai your Elohim in vain” — supposing one is defending His truth while not displaying His character.
After all, being that He is “the TRUTH” while also being the “Prince of SHALOM”, should we not also be ambassadors of not only “the Truth”, but SHALOM to all, as well?
However, having said this, it must also be qualified that we are not to pursue “shalom” at all costs, for that would ultimately mean to compromise the truth and, in fact, that would not be true shalom at all. That would be the shalom as the world gives it and not truly His shalom (John 14:27). In this sense, we must also remember that Messiah said, “Do not think that I came to bring shalom on the earth; I did not come to bring shalom, but a sword [truth that divides and separates]” (Mat 10:34).
Good food for thought, thanks for sharing.
This is where I / we all should be carrying the cross to forebear being wronged though right. To grasp, gasp and grapple to the death of ourselves & walk in the wisdom of discernment of these living parameters to create a set apart space that protects us as we are exposed so miserably to the low things. I think in this way we become His and not stay as the owners of ourselves(selfish ‘gods’) by judging others to death instead of shining light in love whatever the weather around us.
We have been bought for a price & maturing towards others is a sign of getting IT(the Kingdom) & Loving Him Father & Son in the Set Apart Way.
This maintaining of the higher hope in-spite & in front of the enemy and not descending into the pit of self righteousness where no lasting light or joy will be found is a wondrous test. When we stand in His righteousness we are creating even though we may not see it. If seed is good (truth) and if we don’t destroy the soil(love) perhaps a sprout will come(Elohim’s election) and be watered. May we continue in it for the victory, that Christ is praised. Thankyou both for sharing. Shalom.
Struggling in the doing but desiring and praying for that to be in me/us… FJ
I like what you said: “to create a set apart space that protects us as we are exposed so miserably to the low things…” Let everyone who is reading this take careful note and pay extra attention to the following: Creating a “God”-space bubble around you to protect yourself from the attacks of the enemy that intend to pull us off of our spiritual focus on Yeshua and his Word is essential in surviving the onslaught of the world, the flesh and the devil.
Most people create around themselves a fortress of self-justification, self-righteousness, blaming others, self-pity and pride to protect themselves when attacked by others. This self-defensive action is focused on self and simply reinforces the sinful nature in that it is a natural, automatic and thoughtless default response of man’s fallen sin nature.
Instead of creating a defensive fortification where self-this and self-that form the stones in our defensive fortress wall, we need to run to the Rock of our Salvation who is our High Tower in times of trouble as David writes about many times in the psalms. In this way, YHVH and not self is the focus. This is the basis of our so-called “God” bubble. This will shield and protect us from the enemy’s attacks.
Each person is different and can furnish their “God” bubble differently depending their tastes and interests. For me, when I go running to YHVH in times of trouble, my spiritual bubble will often involve hard work (which gets my mind off the problem), listening to beautiful and uplifting music, walks in nature where I imbibe in the Creator’s beauty and tending my garden. Sometimes I write Yah-centered psalms and poetry. In all cases, I try to get may mind off myself and I always run to the Word of Elohim for wisdom, hope and guidance. Often, I imagine myself falling down at the foot of the cross and find my strength at the feet of Yeshua. If he endured that for me, then I can endure this for him.
This is what my “God” bubble looks like that helps me to deal with spiritual attacks. What does your “God” bubble look like?
SHABBAT SHALOM, TODAH RABAH YAHUAH OUR CREATOR, OUR FATHER, OUR FIRST LOVE WITH PASSION, OUR TRUTH.
THE FAMILY OF YAHUAH ARE LOVER OF THE TRUTH AND THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH MAKES US HAQODESH.
HE DIVIDES. THE LIGHT WHICH IS TRUTH AND LOVE JOHN 17. ONE LOVE, oneHEART. Let us get together and
YAHUAH IS ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
THE MARRIAGE IS HERE.