The power of LOVE

Belief. What is belief? According to the dictionary, belief is confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof. What is the thing that I find confidence in or the existence of, which is not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof? While, the "church" answer is Jesus Christ; and yes I do believe with all that is in me in Jesus Christ; however, what does it look to 'believe' in Him?

In Matthew 22: 37-39, Jesus says the greatest command is to love the Lord your God with all that is in you (paraphrase) and that the second is like it to love others. Love is the key to showing your belief in Jesus Christ. Jesus said if you love me, you will keep my commands (John 14:15).

The Pharisees thought that showing their belief was to keep of list of rules and sacrifices; however, Jesus says to love him first and through that love you will keep his commands. God says in Hosea 6:6 that "For I (God) delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." He is not looking for us to say all the right things, do all the right things, and wear our "Christian t-shirt" to top things off, he is looking for loyalty and love and through that you will be compelled to says the right things, and do the right things. (It's up to you if you like the Christian t-shirt.)

Jesus told one of my favorite stories in Luke 10 about the outcast who saw someone brutally attacked and although he had been demeaned by this man's specific "group", he still knew that regardless, this man needed help. Despite what the "Christians" had done to him in the past, it was the "Christians" who had left their own to die, so he was compelled to help. Jesus ends that story will a charge "Go and do the same". The outcast knew something we, as Christians, have forgotten, and that is to love and take care of others no matter what. Forget what the background of the person may be, forgot what their outward appearance shows, and forget what that person has done to you; we are called to set the example and show love to others.

It is that power, that desire to show love to others, that we can show our belief in Jesus Christ. It is to first love God that we are so compelled to obey him, and through our obedience we in turn love others. It's a domino effect and Jesus knew it. I believe in the power of love. I believe in the truth of Jesus Christ. I believe those two fit beautifully together!