Gifting Love

In Genesis 44, we read of the situation which developed between Yosef, Joseph, and his brothers, when they came to Egypt to buy grain. Some might say the trials that Yosef placed upon his brothers were warranted, as they had caused Yosef immense pain and suffering. However, Yahveh used their fraud and duplicity for His advantage and for the advancement of the Chosen People.

Then, in Genesis 45, Yosef’s love for his family becomes most evident: Come down to me, don’t delay!  You will live in the land of Goshen and be near me — you, your children, your grandchildren, flocks, herds, everything you own.  I will provide for you there, so that you won’t become poverty-stricken, you, your household and all that you have; because five years of famine are yet to come. (Genesis 45:9-11) The gift he gave his family was immeasurable and, following Yahveh’s plan, allowed Israel to grow and expand beyond count.

Yahveh gifts love to all of us. This concept was clearly outlined to us in Luke 2, when in verses 8 to 10 we read: In the countryside nearby were some shepherds spending the night in the fields, guarding their flocks, when an angel of Adonai appeared to them, and the Shekhinah of Adonai shone around them. They were terrified; but the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, because I am here announcing to you Good News that will bring great joy to all the people.” This love was actualized, through the willing sacrifice of Adonai Yeshua, the Lord Jesus, at the cross. The gift – eternal life for all those who trusted and sincerely acted out that trust.

Every time we share the Gospel of His love with others, we are affirming the gift of His sacrifice. We affirm His statement in John 15:13, wherein we learn, No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends. As we know, those who believe and act on that belief are His friends. He gave us that great gift from His enormous cache of love.

Beloved, are we filled with His love? Do we share His gift of love with others freely and willingly or do we hold back, only sharing His love with those we believe deserve to receive? If this is you (and I know I am guilty of this), then we need to rethink our positions. Perhaps we need to remember His command to us, both in Leviticus 19 and Mark 12, “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

CONSIDER: Do we share His gift of love with others freely and willingly or do we hold back, only sharing His love with those we believe deserve to receive?

ACT: I urge you to rethink your gifting love to only those whom you think are deserving. Ask the Holy Spirit of the Living, Loving God to assist you in freely sharing His gift of love with others.

PRAY: Abba, Father, I thank you for the magnificent gift you gave us. Thank you for the promise of eternal life, if we but believe and act on that belief of following His commands with joy and love. I pray, Abba, You will guide me to share that love with as many as I am able. In Your Precious Name, I pray.

May the God of Avraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you richly.