Loving God and Loving People

 

---

1. Loving God: A Covenant Relationship

• Scripture:
  • “Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5, KJV)

1. Holistic Devotion:

   • The Hebrew word for heart (lev) represents the inner self, including thoughts, will, and emotions.
   • Soul (nephesh) refers to one’s entire being or life essence.
   • Might (me’od) implies strength or resources, including material possessions and energy.
   • Loving God involves every aspect of life—mental, emotional, physical, and material.

2. Action-Oriented Love:

   • Hebrew thought prioritizes actions over abstract feelings. Love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His Torah (instructions).
   • “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7, KJV)

3. Covenant Context:

   • Love in the Hebrew mindset is covenantal, implying loyalty and faithfulness to God’s commands as part of His chosen people.
   • The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4–9) is recited daily as a declaration of allegiance to the One True God.

---

2. Loving Humanity: A Reflection of God’s Nature

• Scripture:
  • “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18, KJV)

1. Neighbor (Re’a):

   • In the Hebraic mindset, neighbor includes fellow Israelites but also extends to the foreigner living among them (ger).
   • “But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself.” (Leviticus 19:34, KJV)

2. Communal Responsibility:

   • Love for others is tied to the covenant community. Helping the poor, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring justice are acts of love (Micah 6:8).
   • Hebrew thought views humanity as interconnected; harming others damages the community and dishonors God.

3. Equality in Love:

   • “As thyself” implies recognizing the divine image (tzelem Elohim) in every individual (Genesis 1:27).
   • Treating others with dignity reflects God’s love and justice.

---

3. Love Expressed Through Obedience and Justice

• Scripture:
  • “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, KJV)

1. Torah-Centric Obedience:

   • In Hebraic thought, love and obedience are inseparable. Observing God’s laws demonstrates loyalty and love.
   • “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5:3, KJV)

2. Justice and Mercy:

   • The prophets repeatedly emphasized love in terms of justice and mercy:
     “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8, KJV)

---

4. Loving Through Practical Actions

• Scripture:
  • “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, KJV)

1. Chesed (Covenant Loyalty):

   • The Hebrew concept of chesed (loving-kindness) emphasizes steadfast love expressed in tangible acts.
   • Practical acts of kindness, such as providing for the needy and protecting the vulnerable, reflect God’s character.

2. Tzedakah (Righteous Giving):

   • Charity (tzedakah) is not merely an option but a command in Hebraic thought. It’s a righteous duty to care for the less fortunate.
   • “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD.” (Proverbs 19:17, KJV)

---

5. Sharing the Gospel: Proclaiming God’s Kingdom

• Scripture:
  • “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace.” (Isaiah 52:7, KJV)

1. Messianic Fulfillment:

   • Proclaiming the Gospel fulfills the mission of Israel to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6).
   • The Hebrew mindset sees sharing God’s Word as spreading His rule and peace (shalom).

2. Witness Through Life:

   • “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, KJV)
   • Actions, rooted in Torah, testify to God’s kingdom.

---

Conclusion

From a Hebraic perspective, love for God and humanity is deeply rooted in action, covenant, and community. It calls for wholehearted devotion to God and tangible acts of kindness, justice, and mercy toward others. The unity of spiritual and practical life reflects the holistic nature of Hebrew thought, where love is not only felt but lived.