Love

    Regardless of where a person is located or when in history you may look, mankind has always had an inner need to worship.  The form of worship may be very elaborate or it may be simple.  Nevertheless, the inner spirit of mankind has this need to look beyond himself for guidance and direction.  It is interesting to see that within the major components of formalized religion today there are many differences.  However, there seems to be some basic similarities also.

     Hinduism makes up 14 percent of the world’s population today.  Within its teachings is the following: “The one who loves all intensely begins perceiving in all living beings a part of himself.  He becomes a lover of all, a part and parcel of the universal Joy.  He flows with the stream of happiness, and is enriched by each soul.”

     According to Radhanath Swami: ”When there is love in our heart, only love will come out.”  It is impossible to be a selfish person and truly display a heart full of love.  We are unable to love others when we are only concerned about our own interests.

    Let’s also consider that 24 percent of the world’s population is of the Islam faith.   Most of our knowledge today concerning Islam is presented to us through the reporting of acts of horror that are committed by Muslim terrorists. 

     However, at the heart of Muslim belief is the principal of tawhid or oneness.  This oneness, or unity, has been described as that which dominates the mind in Islam, while the heart is intrinsically linked to the concept of compassion.  “My Mercy encompasses all things” (Qur’an7:156) (www.wccm.org/content/love-and-compassion-islam ) “The Qur’an frequently speaks of God’s plan for diversity, and the goodness of difference as part of this plan.  “O mankind, We have indeed created you as male and female, and made you as nations and tribes that you may come to know one another.” (49:13)

     Within the worlds’ population today some 29 percent claim to be Christians.  By acceptance of the nomenclature a person claiming to be Christian is stating to the world that he or she follows the life pattern set by the Christ, the Son of the living God.

     In the Scriptures themselves we are told at 1 John 4:8 that “God is love.”  Although there are several different words used in the original languages that the bible was written in the one of greatest importance for Christians is agape’.  This word relates to “principal love.”  At times it has been described as “loving the unlovable.”

     This quality of love is such a remarkable aspect of the individual who has chosen to change his life and follow the pattern that was set by Jesus that on one occasion Jesus himself said: “By this all will know you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35)

     However, was Jesus saying that you should only have love for those who like yourself have changed their life to a Christian way of living?  No!  According to Luke 6:32 (New King James Version) Jesus said: “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?  For even sinners love those who love them.”   Jesus went even further with this need for compassion and love stating: “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matt 5:44)

     If some two-thirds of the world’s population promotes the teachings of love, why is there so much hatred in the world today?  Why do humans not get along with one another and live in peace?  The answer is plainly explained to us within the Scriptures: “- - - the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19)

     With Satan controlling the world scene and using his demons to instigate the hatred and confusion among mankind and with the very inclination of mankind itself being one that easily leans toward hatred and harm it is easy to see why it is so difficult for individuals to stay on a course that is proper and correct in the eyes of God.

     The apostle Paul himself acknowledged this by saying: “I find, then, this law in my case: When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me.” (Romans7:21 NWT). It is only with the strength and “power beyond what is normal” that is provided by God that we may be able to overcome this sinful tendency that is within us.

     Although we are only human, it is possible to be victorious.  Jesus himself said: “- - - In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33 NWT)

QUOTE TO CONSIDER

THOUGHTFUL GEM

"The solution to all problems is love."