By Peter Russom
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God… …, for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8 NKJV
As we begin 2025 with our theme of “God’s love”, we all can reflect upon and apply the many scriptures that address this very important and fundamental topic. We see many people in the Bible, like the faithful listed in chapter eleven in Hebrews, who served God in many different circumstances. It is powerful to see the variety of people and learn about their belief. With each person mentioned in that portion of scripture, a description of their faithfulness is indicated. For example, we read about Abel offering a more excellent sacrifice than Cain and that Abraham obeyed God when he was called even though he did not know specifically where he would be going. In this chapter we are reminded of how their faith was demonstrated. The initial verses of the chapter give us a definition of faith.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3 NKJV
A few verses later the Hebrew writer connects faith and a desire to please God.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
Faith is essential to please and glorify God. Our hearts are connected directly to our faith and so our firm and unwavering trust in Him, yielding to all that He has commanded is paramount. In the book of Psalms we learn how the believer’s heart responds to God’s commands, wisdom, power, and love.
“Praise the LORD! I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, In the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. Psalms 111:1 NKJV
“The works of His hands are truth and justice; All His precepts are trustworthy. They are upheld forever and ever, and are performed in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.”
David’s words in Psalm 51 reflect a request to be cleansed from his sins with a deep care to draw closer to God with reverence and in heartfelt prayer. The word “clean” in this scripture is defined as pure, with moral integrity.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of thy salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” Psalm 51:10-12 NKJV
We see scriptures in the New Testament that also connect the response of the heart, of one’s faith and the love we have for God.
“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV
“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,” 1 Peter 1:22 NKJV