If anyone acknowledges that Yeshua is Ben-Elohim [the Son of GOD], God abides in him, and he abides in God. 1 John 4:15, TLV

Belief. Trust. Love.    That’s the context of today’s verse. What do I mean by this?

Loved ones, let us love one another, for love is from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (vss. 7-8, TLV)

And there it is.

We can acknowledge and believe that Jean Francois Gravelet* walked a tightrope across the Niagara Falls’ gorge, but do we trust that he could carry us with him?

We can say we believe and acknowledge Yeshua as the Son of GOD, but do we truly love each other? Do we trust in our Heavenly Father enough to walk that love without conditions? You see, we don’t have to trust each other—although we should work to achieve that—this type of love only works when we trust GOD.

I love you, as long as …

Love is critical to unity. And unity among the redeemed will bring revival (John 17:23). Not sameness, but united as redeemed children of the Father. So, that means we must love if we vote differently. We must love when we’re offended. It’s an unconditional choice. If our default is to love, then we can work out disagreements, hurts, and other issues that divide us.

Love means that when we see a brother or sister who has harmed us or someone we love, our first thought is love—not offense. The type of love that can look down from the cross and say, “Father, forgive them …” (Luke 23:34).

Whoo. I don’t know about you, but I have a long way to go.

Still, what if today we choose to begin to acknowledge and trust in the Son of God enough to love first and ask questions later? Then, each day, try to do a little better? I wonder, what would happen?

Until tomorrow, let’s take those baby steps of love to those around us—one the road, crowded stores, across the pews, well you get the idea. Please continue to pray for peace and love. God bless you!

*Jean Francois Gravelet, a Frenchman known professionally as Charles Blondin, became the first daredevil to walk across Niagara Falls on a tightrope. The feat, which was performed 160 feet above the Niagara gorge just down river from the Falls, was witnessed by some 5,000 spectators.