Learning To Love Rightly

 

One of the many things that those who were leaving the ways of the nations were learning was how to love one another, as Yahweh defined love. They would have, of course, been quite skilled in loving as the world does, but something was changing. They were hearing the reading of the Torah and the Prophets in the synagogue and house to house. One of the many things that men were facing is that they had not known love like the Father poured out upon men. They had not known love as His Son laying down His life for them. They were surely having to confront the great love of the Creator and then learn how to begin walking that out themselves.

“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.” Acts 2:46

“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.” Acts 3:1

“For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” Acts 15:21

Sadly, I think we’ve inherited a belief that “bad” people “found Jesus” and became “good” people. These people were idolaters. They were fornicators and engulfed in a world of sin, including love that was defined by whatever they decided. In a nutshell, they were just like all of us. They needed taught how to live. How did this happen? What were they hearing? The Torah, the Prophets and the life of the prophesied Anointed One! As they heard, they were learning what Paul stated in so many different ways, as in 2 Timothy 3:16&17, “All Scripture is breathed out by Elohim and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of Elohim may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

This is why Paul had no issue declaring that the Torah is good, even on the other side of the life of Messiah. It showed men how to live… and how to love. And It is still defining that today, for all who will listen. If we want to know what walking in such a manner looks like, it's quite simple really. We literally pattern our lives after the perfectly-pleasing Son. Selah.