Who shall separate us from the love of Messiah? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Romans 8:35, TLV
Messiah loves us through every trial and tribulation, but do we love Him? Have we ever questioned God’s love? I think we all have. Verses like this remind us of the truth of eternity and God’s promises. Because, I think we all need to be reminded from time to time.
What about those who don’t know those promises? I know I run into that ancient wall of questions whenever I attempt to share about His love to someone who doesn’t know Him. “How can you say God is love when so many bad things happen in this world? Really bad things to good people and children?”
Sometimes these questions are asked in disdain, other times with great sorrow and longing.
How do we respond?
First, before we ever say a word, we must believe the truth and promises ourselves. We must believe that we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), and we must be convinced that nothing will ever separate us from the love of God that is in the Messiah Yeshua (Romans 8:39).
Second, assemble our testimonies of why we are convinced. As a writer, we have a cardinal rule: show, don’t tell. In the world of sharing the Good News it is: live it, don’t just preach it. Know the stories where God’s redemptive love came in and changed us, redeemed us. Everyone loves the BEFORE and AFTER success stories, especially if they can identify with the BEFORE and long for the AFTER.
Third, listen. Listen to the Holy Spirit‘s direction. Listen to the precious soul who may be sharing their deepest sorrow. Because, the Holy Spirit knows exactly how to touch a heart, right? Our Heavenly Father knows us so well, and wants us to be His child, and know what hurts our souls so deeply. If we listen carefully, the Holy Spirit will direct us.
And those questions?
How do we answer those questions? In this world, we will have tribulations. The most holy and innocent of all humans was falsely accused, beaten, and nailed to a cross. And even after He rose from the dead and revealed Himself to hundreds of people, many refused to believe He was who He said He was. But, did Jesus ever doubt His Father’s love?
Yeshua answered them, “Do you now believe? Look, the hour is coming—indeed has come—when you will be scattered, each to his own, and you will abandon Me. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!” John 16:31-33, TLV
You are loved, my friends. Take that love to the world.
Remember: Pray Psalm 122
