Peter - The fisherman

Bible character study - Peter

Peter - The fisherman

An unlearned fisherman releasing his boat for a teaching even though he had caught nothing all night. And after the message he was willing to try one more time at the word of Jesus. Notice how he forsook the enormous catch he just made to follow Christ.

In this introduction to Peter, we see a man with a large heart that is open to God's instructions. He had a thirst for something bigger than what he was doing. HE WANTED MORE.

 

[Luke 5:2-6,10,11]

*2* ```He saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets``` . 

*3* ```He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat``` 

*4* ```When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." 

*5* Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."``` 

*6* ```When they had done so, they..

caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.``` 

*10* ```Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people."``` 

*11* ```So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.```

*Peter - Walking on waters*

In a dark night in the midst of a storm, suddenly you see Jesus walking on waters, asking for permission to join on the waters will probably not be my request. But Peter was confident the storm was no longer an issue, he needed to experience the miracle. And he did experience it as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. Beloved, have an appetite for the supernatural while keeping your eyes on Jesus all the way.

*[Matthew 14:24-32]*

*24* ```the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.``` 

*25* ```Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.``` 

*26* ```When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said```

 

*27* ```But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."``` 

*28* ```"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."``` 

*29* ```"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.``` 

*30* ```But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"``` 

*31* ```Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"``` 

*32* ```And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.``` 

*Peter - Di-vision*

Everybody has an agenda and a vision for you. Peter had been following Jesus closely yet he had a different vision for Christ. And the moment he heard Jesus deviating from his vision, he felt the need to rebuke him. The people wanted to make him king, Peter wanted to prevent him from dying.

Beloved, be sure of your vision because having 2 opposing visions is called division. And a lot of people have ideas for you. 

*[Matthew 16:21-23]*

*21* ```From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.``` 

*22*  ```But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. "Heaven forbid, Lord," he said. "This will never happen to you!``` 

*23* ```Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's."``` 

*Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. [John 6:15]*

*Peter - denying Jesus*

For some this is the first thing to remember about Peter and perhaps it is better that way. The denial clearly shows the limitations of man (despite Peter's boast) and the grace of God (Jesus already prayed for his restoration before the event happened).

Beloved, by yourself you can do nothing, it is your continual dependence on God that produces results. And yes God's grace covers your errors.

*"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."*

*Peter said, Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you." But Jesus said.."Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me."[Luke 22:31-34]*

*But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.[Luke 22:60-62]*

*Peter - Leadership*

The responsibility of leading the newly formed church after the resurrection of Christ was given to Peter. He was specifically chosen by Jesus for the role. All others deferred to him. And his first act was to take them fishing 🤦‍♂️. Beloved, as a leader your actions matter. Let it draw men to God and the fulfilling of purpose. You need to have clarity of vision.

*[John 21:3-4,15,16]*

*3* ```I'm going out to fish, Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.``` 

*4* ```Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.``` 

*15* ```When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."``` 

*16* ```Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep"``` 

*Peter - Schooled by the spirit*

What difference does the Holy Spirit make in our lives? Peter and the other believers were the first to receive the Holy Spirit and the difference we see in Peter is enormous; his boldness and utterance (intelligent speak) was apparent to all.Beloved, you can rely on the spirit of God for your academics, career, business and yes, ministry. He will school you with a difference.

*After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. [Acts 4:31]*

*When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. [Acts 4:13]*

*Peter - Jew-centric*

Perhaps Peter did not remember Jesus' saying that the gospel will go throughout the world *(Acts 1:8)* or he was limited, either ways it took persecution, daylight vision and Paul for the gospel to go outside Israel.

Peter thus became the apostle to the Jews.

It is important to note here that even when God was going to reach gentiles, he went through Peter first. God is a God of order, he will normally not bypass your recognized leader for a major message to your group.

*Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. [Acts 8:1]*

 

*So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God's way?"When they heard this, they had no further objections[Acts11:17-18*

*For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles[Galatians 2:8]*

David - Shepherd Boy, Musician, Worshipper

 

Bible Character Study  [David]

Shepherd boy, musician, worshipper

Ever met a man who thrives in adversities, well meet David. An abandoned out-of-town duty of tending sheep became military, music and theology schools. A lion or bear comes after his sheep, he goes for the animal.

Night time was for music training all the while loving God and writing poetry for him.

Beloved, perspective matters; you are only disadvantaged, if you think so. Turn your adversities to testimonies.

*But David persisted. "I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats," he said. "When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! [1sam 17:34-36]*

*In the same way all seven of Jesse's sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." Then Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse replied. "But he's out in the fields watching the sheep and goats." "Send for him at once," Samuel said. "We will not sit down to eat until he arrives."[1Sam 16:10-11]*

*But when David's oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. "What are you doing around here anyway?" he demanded.."What about those few sheep you're supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!" "What have I done now?" David replied. "I was only asking a question! [1Sam 28-29]*

*You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments.[Amos 6:5]*

*skill and anointing*

Some portray skills and anointing as being mutually exclusive, but that is not true. God does not need you to be skill-less for him to use you.

David was anointed, he had a relationship with God, yet he possesses well honed skills in warfare, shepherding (management) and music. *Beloved, never undervalue personal and professional development, God values it.*

*Saul said to his attendants, Find someone who plays well and bring him to me. One of the servants answered, I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him [1Sam 16:17-18]*

*It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.  [Psalms 18:32-34]*

*Facing Goliath*

David and Goliath is one of the best known stories in the Bible, a most unlikely outcome. While we consider it a David-Goliath fight, David saw it differently.

It was a God-Goliath fight to him and the outcome was as clear as day in his mind.

He only saw the greatness of God and not the size of Goliath. *If only we can consistently learn to put God in view, we will be saved of the so many worries we carry*.

*David asked the men standing near him, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"[1Sam 17:26]*

*Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine[1Sam 17:36-37]*

*David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."[1Sam 17:45-47]*

*Understanding God*

A major reason for David's success was his understanding and knowledge of God beyond the letters of the law. He ate the showbread and gave his men to eat because he knew God is a good God who sees the heart.

It was the same understanding of God that prevented him from hurting Saul because no man will go unpunished by shedding (anointed) blood to achieve selfish aims. Beloved, take time to know God, it has great benefits.

*And the priest answered David and said, "There is no common bread on hand; but there is holy bread, if the young men have at least kept themselves from women." Then David answered the priest, and said to him, "Truly, women have been kept from us about three days since I came out. And the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in effect common, even though it was sanctified in the vessel this day." So the priest gave him holy bread; for there was no bread there but the showbread which had been taken from before the LORD [1Sam 21:4-6]*

*And he said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD."  So David restrained his servants with these words, and did not allow them to rise against Saul. [1Sam 24:6-7]*

*Abishai said to David, "Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of my spear; I won't strike him twice." 

But David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless? [1sam 26:8-9]*

*As surely as the LORD lives," he said, "the LORD himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the LORD forbid that I should lay a hand on the LORD's anointed...  let's go." [1Sam 26:10-11]*

*Costly mistake*

One moment of indiscretion and David brought untold problems to himself and his family. If only he had gone to war like he was supposed to. Truth is God forgave him and still loved him, but his adultery and murder reaped for him death disgrace and loss of children.

The devil is looking for inroads beloved, don't give him an opening. A little sin can bring a tsunami harvest. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

*Vs1-In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army*

*Vs2- But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing*.

*VS 3- The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite."*

*Vs4- In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. In it he wrote, "Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die." [2Sam 11:1-4]*

*Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.' "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.'" [2 Sam 12:10-11]*

*Giant Killers*

I believe the most important duty of a leader is to raise other leaders and David exemplified this perfectly. Several of the valiant men of David were giant killers like him, unlike Saul who could not produce one giant killer.

More impressive, is the caliber of men who were raised by David: the debtors, disgruntled etc and they became mighty men, that is leadership. *Develop those under you beloved*. 

*During another battle at Gob, Elhanan son of Jair from Bethlehem killed the brother of Goliath of Gath. The handle of his spear was as thick as a weaver's beam! [2Sam 21:19]*

*So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there. Then others began coming—men who were in trouble or in debt or who were just discontented—until David was the captain of about 400 men. [1Sam 22:1-2]*

*These are the names of David's mighty warriors: Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter. [2Sam 23:8]*

*A lasting covenant*

A covenant of mercy, permanent king on throne and forbear of Christ. David caught something. Even though he was not perfect, he was always in good standing before God because of his heart.

He did not become big in his eyes, nothing was too big to give to God and when he did miss it, once it was pointed to him, he genuinely repented. *Beloved, guard your heart, keep it simple*.

*The Lord said, "I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant. I have sworn this oath to him: 'I will establish your descendants as kings forever; they will sit on your throne from now until eternity.'" [Psalms 89:3-4]*

*Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you— The sure mercies of David. Indeed I have given him [as] a witness to the people, A leader and commander for the people. [Isaiah 55:3]*

*In that day the heir to David's throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place. [Isaiah 11:10]*

Joshua - The Mentee

Bible character study

Joshua

The mentee

Some nowadays scoff at mentorship wondering what impact it has. Joshua is first example of spiritual mentorship in scriptures and his sobriquet is Moses' assistant.

He did not have the burning bush experience nor did he kill Goliath yet his impact was..so monumental that Jesus was named after him (yes, Jesus is Joshua in Hebrew).

Beloved, submit to your mentor, it shortens your journey. 

The LORD said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction." Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God.[Exo 24:12-13]

Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting.[Exo 33:11]

But your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it. [Deut 1:38]

God's choice

It can almost be argued that Joshua made himself God's choice. He kept doing the next best thing until it was apparent that he was the best man.

Several times, young believers sit around idly for years waiting for the divine call. Of course, for some, calls do come like that but for the majority of us, it is found in the place of service. Purpose revealed in the process of assisting others wholeheartedly. Beloved, what can you do now?

The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands." So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered.[Exo 17:8-10]

Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God. He said to the elders, "Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them."[Exo 24:13-14]

*The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent. [Exo 33:11]*

So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Give him some of your authority..[Number 27:18-20]

Believing God

As a member of the 12 spies sent to spy on the promised land, he alongside Caleb came back with a good report. Their report was simply a confession of faith in God's ability.

While it was true that the inhabitants were huge and strong, they chose to focus on the God who delivered them from Egypt with a strong hand.

Beloved, that challenge might be really huge, don't focus on it rather let your attention be on God who has brought you thus far, his word to you and his abilities.

Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them." [Numbers 14:6-9]

Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.[Numbers 14:30]

Courage to enter the promised land

A central theme of the old testament is the promise land, promised to Abraham, started by Moses, reminisced by David and the prophets. Yet the actual conquering of Jericho was devoid of human strength.Joshua parted the Jordan and then walked round the city for seven days and the people shouted.

It takes a lot of courage and obedience to be the leader to make that happen. People wanted action but Joshua offered obedience and he prevailed.

So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times.When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city. [Joshua 6:15-16]

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." [Joshua 1:9]

Taking responsibility

Joshua owned both his successes and especially his mistakes. When Gibeon lied and Joshua believed the evidence before him instead of asking God, he made amends by acknowledging his errors yet honouring his words. 

You will not be right all the time, don't excuse yourself rather learn from it. Take responsibility for your actions (errors) and make amends.

So the Israelite leaders examined their bread, but they did not consult the LORD.* *Then Joshua went ahead and signed a peace treaty with them, the leaders of Israel ratified their agreement with a binding oath*. *3 days later, the facts came out* *–these people of Gibeon lived nearby. But the leaders replied, "We have sworn an oath in the presence of the LORD, the God of Israel*. *We cannot touch them. We must let them live, for God would be angry with us if we broke our oath. Let them live*...  *So the Israelites kept their promise to the Gibeonites.* *Joshua did not allow the people of Israel to kill them. But that day he made the Gibeonites the woodchoppers and water carriers for the people of Israel and for the altar of the LORD – wherever the LORD would choose to build it. That arrangement continues to this day.[Joshua 9:14-27]

Integrity

Do you know the deadliest war ever fought? It was fought by Joshua; the Israelites dominated, God sent hailstones from heaven and the sun stood still at the request of Joshua for total destruction. Yet it was not fought to defend Israel.

After the pretentious pact gotten by Gibeon, the other nations gathered to destroy Gibeon and Israel came to defend them as stipulated by the agreement. Now, Joshua could have easily called it Karma and turned the other way, but not the man. He stood by his words regardless of  how it was gotten *[Joshua 9:14-27]*.The same with his treatment of Rehab the harlot whose family was the only one saved from Jericho because the spies promised on behalf of Joshua. *[Joshua 6:25]

Beloved, your words matter. Be like your heavenly father who only says what he means and means what he says.

The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: "Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us." So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army [Joshua 10:6-7]

As they fled before Israel  the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites.[10:11]

Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: "Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon." So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies... There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a human being. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel! [Joshua 10:12-14]

Meanwhile, Joshua said to the two spies, " Keep your promise. Go to the prostitute's house and bring her out, along with all her family." [Joshua 6:22]

A life of grace

Of all the major leaders in scriptures, Joshua is one of a select few without any scandal to his name. He was trained for the role and anointed to it. Competence and anointing

His leadership was exemplary, God helped him and he also did not become big in his eyes, he had a listening ear without feeling threatened (by Caleb) and above all, his family was not left behind. *Beloved, get the anointing and develop yourself*. 

I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said." So Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave Hebron to him as his portion of land.. [Joshua 14:11-12]

But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord." [Joshua 24:15]

The people said to Joshua, "We will serve the Lord our God. We will obey him aloneness." So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day at Shechem, committing them to follow the decrees and regulations of the Lord.[Joshua 24:24]

 

Moses - Prince Turned Refugee

*Biblical Character Study*

2. *Moses*

*Prince turned refugee*

A prison to palace story is inspiring and desirous, who ever desires to leave the comfort of royalty for exile? Yet, that was the trajectory of this man of God.

He perceived in his heart the call of a deliverer and went about it in his own strength, the result? He was ran out of town. Timing and divine commissioning / empowering is important for fulfilling your vision sir/ma.

*When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water."[Exodus 2:10]*

*And sure enough, Pharaoh heard what had happened, and he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in the land of Midian. When Moses arrived in Midian, he sat down beside a well.[Exo 2:15]*. 

*It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God's people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin .He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great [Heb 11:24-26]*

 *Never too late to start over*

Moses' life can broadly be divided into three, 40 years in the palace, 40 years in the wilderness and 40 years as we know it, fulfilling purpose. To realize that he started over at 80 years of age is surely an encouragement to us.

'No matter how much time you have lost, it is never too late to start over following the will of God for your life. You might not even feel capable, God will empower you. You just submit to him'. 

*Moses said to the LORD, "Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The LORD said to him, "Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute?Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." .[Exo 4:10-12]*

*Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.[Exo 7:7]*

*Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever. [Deut 34:7]*

*Delegate, delegate*

With so much power and influence as a leader, it is possible to think that you are the only person that has the solution, and Moses almost fell to that trap. He will seat in judgement from morning to evening 6 days a week. It took his father-in-law and God to save him from himself. *[Exo 18]*

Beloved, you cannot do it all, delegate as much as possible, it will preserve your life. But what if they cannot do it as good as you will? They can't; but they can only get better by doing, so delegate.

*This is not good!" his father-in-law exclaimed*

*"You're going to wear yourself out – and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people's representative before God, bringing him their questions to be decided. You should tell them God's decisions, teach them God's laws and instructions, and show them how to conduct their lives. But find some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as judges over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. These men can serve the people, resolving all the ordinary cases. Anything that is too important or too complicated can be brought to you. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God directs you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace." Moses listened to his father-in-law's advice.[Exo 18:17-23]*

*Meekness*

He was declared to be the meekest man on earth and that is no mean fit. His experience of trying to do things by himself and failing and then seeing what God can do had completely humbled him. He no longer had any reason to fight for himself or prove himself.

Even when his authority was challenged twice, he left it to God to answer and even pleaded when the answer was severe. Beloved, there is so much grace in humility, quit the fightings and trust in God's righteousness.

*When the cloud lifted from above the Tent, there stood Miriam--leprous, like snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had leprosy; and he said to Moses, "Please, my lord, do not hold against us the sin we have so foolishly committed. Do not let her be like a infant coming from its mother's womb with its flesh half eaten away." So Moses cried out to the LORD, "O God, please heal her!" [Numbers 12:10-13]*

*Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.[Numbers 12:3]*

*The man Moses*

It is easy to focus on all the great things Moses did and forget that he was a man after all. He almost lost his life because he did not circumcise his son. He missed stepping in the promise land because he got angry for God.

What I find most worrying though is the absence of his children in the scheme of things, I am sure you will struggle to remember the names of his children.

 *On the way to Egypt, at a place where Moses and his family had stopped for the night, the Lord confronted him and was about to kill him. But Moses' wife, Zipporah, took a flint knife and circumcised her son. She touched his feet with the foreskin[Exo 4:25]*,

*Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, heard about everything God had done for Moses and his people, the Israelites. He heard especially about how the Lord had rescued them from Egypt. Earlier, Moses had sent his wife, Zipporah, and his two sons back to Jethro [Exo 18:1-6]*

*But the Lord was angry with me because of you. He vowed that I would not cross the Jordan River into the good land the Lord your God is giving you as your special possession. You will cross the Jordan to occupy the land, but I will not.[Deut 4:21]*

*Beloved of God*

God specially loved Moses and it showed. He had access to God and a relationship with him that we in the new and better testament need to be conscious of. God is not a far away task master as some paint him. He is loving and relational.

To cap off the story and life of Moses, God did what has not been repeated again, HE BURIED HIM.

*And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name [Exo 33:17-19]*

*...the LORD, in your presence... But you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." Then the LORD said, There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by [Exo 33:20-21]*

*And the Lord said to them, "Now listen to what I say: "If there were prophets among you, I, the Lord, would reveal myself in visions. I would speak to them in dreams. But not with my servant Moses. Of all my house, he is the one I trust. I speak to him face to face, clearly and not in riddles! He sees the Lord as he is [Numbers 12:6-8]* 

*So Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, just as the Lord had said. The Lord buried him in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place.[Deut 34:6]*

*Knowing God's ways*

Moses did not only see the acts and wonders of God, he knew God's ways. He understood God and could make his case before God with a confidence that God will listen.

While it is good for us to desire the miraculous in our lives, it is better to desire to know God. Our daily cry should be more of God and his ways. When you know God, you will see his glory in your life.

*I feared the anger and wrath of the LORD, for he was angry enough with you to destroy you. But again the LORD listened to me[Deut 9:19]*

*And the LORD was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him, but at that time I prayed for Aaron too.[Deut 9:20]*

*And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."*

*Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory."*

*And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name the LORD, in your presence*. *I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have [Exo 33:18-1]*

*He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.[Psalms 103:7]*

 

Abraham - Friend of God

*Biblical Character Study*

1. Abraham 

*Abraham - Friend of God*

He is known as the father of faith and friend of God. But how does one earn the sobriquet of 'friend of God'?

The story started with a most unusual request, leave your family, friends and country and go to a place I will show you. [Gen 12:1] And Abraham obeyed

*GOD told Abram: "Leave your country, your family, and your father's home for a land that I will show you. I'll make you a great nation and bless you. I'll make you famous... So Abram left just as GOD said, and Lot left with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran [Gen 12:1-4]*

*Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone, blessed him and increased him [Isa 51:1-2]*

*And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." He was even called the friend of God. [Romans 4:3]*

*Abraham - Simplicity of heart*

A study of Abraham will constantly reveal a man that was one with his word and at peace with himself. He expressed his feelings and emotions to God without fear. Whether it was his fear that his servant will inherit him or his plea for Sodom.

He had no issues with allowing his younger cousin pick a land first or running errands to serve strangers despite the fact that he had over 300 hundred men in his household. God indeed looks at the heart of men. How is your heart?

*Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have fighting between us, between your shepherds and my shepherds. After all, we're family. Look around. Isn't there plenty of land out there? Let's separate. If you go left, I'll go right; if you go right, I'll go left." [Gen 13:8-9]*

*What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. [Gen 18: 25-26]*

*Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant." "Very well," they answered, "do as you say." So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah."Quick," he said, "get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread." Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.[Gen 18:6-7]*

*Abraham - Absolute dependence on God*

For a strong man who had 318 trained men of War in his house, Abraham's dislike for quarrels and show of force is exemplary. He would rather have God fight for him than push his case.

On two different occasions, he trusted God to preserve his wife than to go into quarrels over her. You are tempted to take him for a weakling yet he fought 5 nations and prevailed. 'Do you know who I am' geng, Why must you always show yourself?

*But the LORD inflicted serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household because of Abram's wife Sarai. So Pharaoh summoned Abram. "What have you done to me?" he said. "Why didn't you tell me she was your wife? [Gen 12:17-19]*

*When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people. [Gen 14:14-16]*

*Abraham - Right discernment*

Abraham's ability to rightly discern men and things were divine. He knew who to give tithe to and who to serve, which gifts to collect and which to reject.

We learn from Abraham that not all favours should be received.. [Gen 23:6]

..he insisted on paying for the burial ground for his wife [Gen 23:11] and refuse to take the spoils from the victory of the 5 kings so his wealth will only be attributable to God. Discernment is key.

*No, my lord, he said. "Listen to me; I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. I give it to you in the presence of my people. Bury your dead." Again Abraham bowed down before the people of the land and he said to Ephron in their hearing ."Listen to me, if you will. I will pay the price of the field. Accept it from me so I can bury my dead there." [Gen 23:11-13]*

*But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich.' I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me..."[Gen 14:22-24]*

*Abraham - Right parenting*

The most important parenting commendation a person can have was that given by God to Abraham. Abraham did not only fear God but also taught his children and family to fear and obey God.

When Isaac was old enough to marry, he also ensured that he married right. Beloved, your work and love for God is not complete if your offspring are not taught to know God. And it cannot be done by proxy.

*And the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him." [Gen 18:17-19]*

*Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. But while he was still living, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east [Gen 25:5-6]*

*Abraham - Not perfect*

It is often the case that we ascribe perfection to men of old and get discouraged by our seeming imperfections. But a study of Abraham clearly shows that he had shortcomings.

He doubted God, gave misleading statements twice and committed adultery yet God never left him.

Beloved, don't run away from God because you have not gotten it, he is here to help you and strengthen you for the journey.

*As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, "I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, 'This is his wife.' Then they will kill me but will let you live..

Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you." [Gen 12:11-13]*

*But Abram replied, "O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don't even have a son? Since you've given me no children..

Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir." [Gen 15:2-3]*

*The Scriptures say that Abraham had two sons, one from his slave wife and one from his freeborn wife. The son of the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God's promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God's own fulfillment of his promise [Gal 4:22-23]*

*Abraham - Faith towards God*

In conclusion, Abraham is the father of faith not because of his perfection but rather his absolute confidence in God. Even when God told him to release what he got by faith, his trust in God did not waiver,[Romans 4:20] counting God faithful to raise Isaac..

..from the dead.[Hebrews 11:19]

Beloved, believe God more than your situation, and when what you are in faith for comes, do not let it replace God in your heart. Our faith will also be counted as righteousness.

*By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."..Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. [Hebrews 11:17-19]*

*Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as Righteous. [Romans 4:20-22]*

*And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.[Gen 15:6]*

 

Loving Man - Be Kind

 

In our dealings with people, kindness must always be visible. It is not sufficient to be right, we must also show kindness.

The final test before Isaac came was Abraham showing kindness to 3 strangers.[Genesis 18:1-5]

David helped a dying Egyptian and got his family and properties back [1Sam 30:11] *(you really have no excuse to be wicked)*. You will often find that kindness opens more doors than your skills ever could.

*They found an Egyptian in a field and brought him to David. They gave him water to drink and food to eat— part of a cake of pressed figs and two cakes of raisins. He ate and was revived, for he had not eaten any food or drunk any water for three days and three nights. [1Sam 30:11-12]*

*One day Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent during the hottest part of the day. He looked up and noticed three men standing nearby.* *When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground.* *"My lord," he said,if it pleases you, stop here for a whileRest in the shade of this tree while my servants get some water to wash your feet. Let me prepare some food to refresh you. Please stay awhile before continuing on your journey. "All right," they said. "Do as you have said." [Gen 18:1-5]*

 *Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.[Ephesians 4:32]*

2 *Loving Man - make allowance for faults*

Can we quickly agree now that persons you trust most will offend you and do things that you least expect ( Peter denying Christ), yes they will and that is what makes us humans.

What you can do then is to make allowance for people's faults in advance, to make excuses for them in your heart, with the understanding that we are all being perfected.

Love, as scriptures says, covers a multitude of sins [1Peter 4:8]. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.

*Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.[Ephesians 4:2]*

*Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. [Colossians 3:13]*

3 *Loving Man - Be patient in love*

It is patient love that keeps the gold smith going, because the end product is nothing compared with the raw material. Majority of the believers around you are not yet finished products and you need to recognize that and be the smith on their way

to maturity.

Several of the things you are angry with about people now will not be there in a few years, yet your attitude to them will linger. So deal with people with patience knowing their gold cometh.

*'Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up...[1Corinthians 13:4-7]'*

*There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can't bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.[John 16:12-13]*

 *But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience , kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! [Galatians 5:22]*

4 *Loving Man - correct in love*

Correction is a necessary part of love, never shy away from correcting a fellow Christian having previously instructed him/her. You are showing love by preventing a worse incident when you correct. Of course, it must be done in love.

The where and how of correction matters. Avoid public corrections except when the incident is capable of influencing others who heard or saw it. The goal is always a change of attitude not humiliation. Once you have made the correction, let it end there. And if you are on the receiving end of a correction, receive it as a sign of love. Don't be so hung up on the way the correction came, see the lesson inherent. You can not always determine how and when you will be corrected, but you can choose to grow from the rebuke.

And never see corrections as judgment or condemnation. It is an opportunity for you to grow. People that truly love you will correct you, it should be your criteria for friendship in fact.

*I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways.[2Cor 7:8-9]*

 *But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong.[Gal 2:11]*

*An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. [Prov 27:5-6]*

5 *Loving Man - Giving*

Just as God's love was shown by giving even so will your love be shown by giving. Give to the people around you because you love them.

Give your money and resources, give your time and skills, give opportunities for growth.

Give a smile and words of encouragement. The greatest gift you can give to your world is the gospel, preach Christ to your world, their eternity depends on it.

 

*If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God's love be in that person? Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. [1John 3:17-18]*

*One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. [Proverbs 11:24-15]*

*The fruit of the righteous [is a] tree of life, And he who wins souls [is] wise. [Proverbs 11:30]*

*And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' [Acts 20:35]*

6 *Loving Man - Forgiveness*

We cannot talk about loving man without talking about forgiveness. Having done your best to walk in love with people, you will still be hurt by them one way or the other and you must forgive.

We forgive primarily because we are also recipients of God's forgiveness and he commands us to forgive others. It is worth noting also that you will have need to forgive those closest to you the more. Forgive and let it go. 

*But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too. [Mark 11:25]*

*So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them [Luke 17:3]*

*Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.[Colossians 3:13]*

7 *Loving Man - Love yourself*

In rounding up our discussion on love, it is important to remind you that you need to love yourself. *'You' are important.*

Care for *'you', be kind to 'you' , pray for 'you', make allowance for 'you' to grow, 'you' deserve the best.*

While your life cannot and should not be all about you, never forget *that you matter and you can only love others to the degree that you love yourself*, And perhaps the most important way to love you is to forgive yourself. We have all made mistakes to different degrees but allowing those mistakes to dictate your future is a disservice to God.

God has forgiven you, so let the burden go and see the opportunities God is bringing your way. Don't believe the lie of the devil that keeps you in depression.

Let go of the past sir/ma; see, it's a new beginning and God is on your side.

 *I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex!* 

*Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking.* 

*It simply amazes me to think about it!* 

*How thoroughly you know me, Lord!*

*You even formed every bone in my body when you created me in the secret place, carefully, skillfully* *[Psalms 139:14-15]* 

 *For the commandments, “Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet,” and every other commandment can be summed up in these words: “Love and value others the same way you love and value yourself.”[Romans 13:9* ]

*For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom.[Galatians 5:14]*

LOVING MAN

The second and final commandment under the new covenant is to love our neighbour [Gal 5:14]

Now, when Jesus was asked to define who ones neighbour is, he gave a very interesting analogy, the good Samaritan.[Luke 10:23-37]

It was not lost on his audience that the man he picked as their neighbour was from a despised foreign country. So yes, you are to love everybody regardless of creed, ethnic or class.

A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

"What do you think? Which of the three became a neighbor to the man attacked by robbers?" "The one who treated him kindly," the religion scholar responded. Jesus said, "Go and do the same." [Luke 10:36-37]

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. [John 15:12]

Loving Man -Family

There are four types of Love in scriptures and one of them is family love (Storge). it is the affectionate bond that develops naturally between parents and children, brothers and sisters. Examples include Mary and Martha's love for Lazarus etc. [John 11:5]

Thus as a christian, you have to love your family members regardless of their disposition to you. You are instructed to love and obey your parents. And not ignore your family

When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her,"Woman, he is your son."

And he said to this disciple, "She is your mother." And from then on this disciple took her into his home. [John 19:26-27]

I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. [Isa 58:7]

Loving Man - Eros

This is romantic love designed by God for couples in marriage (union of a man and a woman). it involves both physical attraction and sexual desires. It is not wrong in itself but when expressed outside marriage, it contravenes God's will.

Thus an unmarried Christian should stay away from erotic love, and if of marriageable age, should go and get married rather than burn with lust. The single should treat members of the opposite sex as siblings with all purity.

Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as though he were your own father. Talk to the younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat the older women as you would your mother, and treat the younger women with all purity as your own sisters. [1Timothy 5:1-2]

Oh, let me warn you, sisters in Jerusalem, by the gazelles, yes, by all the wild deer: Don't excite love, don't stir it up, until the time is ripe--and you're ready. [Solomon 2:7]

 I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust upon a young woman.[Job 31:1]

Loving Man - Erotic love 4

Christian marriages are built on Agape and strengthened by Eros. Be satisfied always with the love of your spouse.

Do you know that scriptures says denying your spouse his/her marital rights is fraud before God?(1 Cor 7:4 Amp). Love your spouse.

Drink water from your own well— share your love only with your wife. Why spill the water of your springs in the streets, having sex with just anyone? You should reserve it for yourselves. Never share it with strangers. Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you [Proverbs 5:15] 

 

..Rejoice in the wife of your youth... May you always be captivated by her love. [Proverbs 5:18]

The husband should fulfill his wife's sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband's needs. The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife. Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. [1Corinthians 7:3-5]

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church..He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word... In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself.[Ephesians 5:25-28]

Loving Man - Loving the poor

When we think about loving the poor, our first (and perhaps only) thoughts are to give to them. While it is good to give, the most important part of loving the poor is standing up for them. Ensuring that they have justice.

God wants you to 'speak up' for the voiceless and help the helpless. The privileges you enjoy are yours for the purpose of helping others.

What sorrow awaits the unjust judges and those who issue unfair laws. They deprive the poor of justice and deny the rights of the needy among my people. They prey on widows and take advantage of orphans.[Isa 10:1-2]

This is what the LORD Almighty said: Administer true justice; show mercy, and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.'[Zechariah 7:9-10]

No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you...[Isa 58:6]

Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. [Isa 58:7]

For I assisted the poor in their need and the orphans who required help. I helped those without hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows' hearts to sing for joy. Everything I did was honest. Righteousness covered me like a robe, and I wore justice like a turban. I served as eyes for the blind and feet for the lame. [Job 29:12-15]

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. [Proverbs 31:8-9]

Loving Man - praying for others

One of the greatest ways of expressing love to others is by praying for them. When we commit others to God's hands, we not only give them our best, we also engage the divine in their affairs.

We should pray for our friends as well as our enemies, those above us and those below us, in short, we are required to pray for all men.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [1Timothy 2:1-3]

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [Matthew 5:44-45]

We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.[Col 1:3]

Loving Man - love the brethren

This perhaps seems the simplest feature of love yet is so hard to find. We set the standard for the brethren so high (and rightly so) that very few ever meet it and you sort of hate those that fall short.

There is also the inherent dislike we seem to have for those of other denominations.

Beloved, every believer in Christ Jesus is your brother and worthy of your love. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.[1John 3:10]

If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters [1John 4:20-21]

Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. [Romans 12:9-10]

To be continued...