08/29/2008 Sabbath Meeting Transcript

It is written..

John 15:17 - These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Since this is the second most important commandment in all of scripture, it is surely worthy of our attention.

As most of us know, the greatest commandment is that we love Yahweh with all our heart, soul and strength

One thing that we should keep it mind is that we are not just to love in word...but in deed (as Messiah did)

John 13:34 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

A tall order indeed.

Yahushua loves us and His works proved it. It wasn't Him saying 'I love you my brothers' that revealed His love for us, but His actions

John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

The scriptures are packed full of commandments and admonitions telling us to love our brother.

John 13:34 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35 - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Yes.

All men will know that we are Yahushua's disciples - not by how smart we are or how well versed we are in scripture - but if we have love one to another.

That love for one another should be a light and witness to the world that we are like Yahushua, who loved us to the death; who served His Father in so doing.

What kind of deeds will show forth this love?

Romans 12:10 - Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Romans 12:11 - Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving YAHWEH;

Romans 12:12 - Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Romans 12:13 - Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Romans 12:14 - Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Romans 12:16 - Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Romans 12:17 - Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

Romans 12:18 - If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Romans 12:19 - Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith YAHWEH.

Romans 12:20 - Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

Romans 12:21 - Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Our love to one another is indeed a service to Yahweh.

And remember Yahushua said that:

Matthew 20:26 - But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

Matthew 20:27 - And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

He who is greatest is servant of all. Some people get upset when they have do some lowly task for others.. but this ought not be.

With the attitude of loving by serving, there is little chance for pride.

Romans 13:8 - Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Since love is not empty word, but active service., let's ponder a few questions about our own life...

What do we do for our brethren?

What works or acts of service are we doing?

Are we really only serving ourselves?

Are we actively doing something frequently that will serve and edify the body of Messiah?

Do we see our brother in need and not ask to help?

Do we pray for one another daily?

1John 3:17 - But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of YAHWEH abide in him?

John wonders... how does the love of YAHWEH abide in him?

1John 3:18 - My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

1John 3:19 - And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.

Love and serving go hand in hand

Have you ever considered.. that as we serve Yahweh, Yahweh is constantly serving us?

Did He not serve us when He created all things, a perfect world for us to dwell in?

One might say, I won't serve a person that isn't showing love to me

But Adam failed to return the love to Yahweh when he sinned. We have also failed. Yet Yahweh still loved us to let His own Son die for us

How can we not serve Him??

Are we His children?

Matthew 5:44 - But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 5:45 - That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

If we are supposed to love our enemy, how much more so should we love our brother!

And if Yahweh's love is truly in us we will love our brother as Yahweh does

Yahushua loves our brother. Yahushua gave His life for our brother. Do we love our brother as He did?

That is His commandment, as we read earlier

It's part of the calling!

Ephesians 4:1 - I, therefore, the prisoner of Yahushua, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

Ephesians 4:2 - with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

Ephesians 4:3 - endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

So this is part of what it means to walk worthy of the calling: Being lowly, gentle, longsuffering, bearing with one another, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

We may not have pure unity in doctrine, (one day we will) but we can have unity of the Spirit. All of us can have the submissive and humble attitude that brings unity among one another

Yes, our Fathers have inherited lies and we are left to sort it all out. But we can have the unity of the Spirit in the bond of shalom/peace if indeed the same Spirit is in each of us...and it should be!

David noted that it is a beautiful thing when we are in unity:

Psalms 133:1 - Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Psalms 133:2 - It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

Psalms 133:3 - As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there YAHWEH commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

We should be taught of Yahweh to love one another when His Spirit is in us, loving our brother through us:

1Thessalonians 4:9 - But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of YAHWEH to love one another.

Brethren, let's be sure that we stir up love, not strife.

Let's not waste away any time with our brothers stumbling over strife and self seeking.

And if there is strife, let's not stumble at the disunity, but work toward unity. For many stumble at the discord and separate themselves

Of course, that's the desire of the enemy... to divide and conquer

It is clear that although we are a scattered people, the end time people of Yahweh are somehow able to communicate, speaking often to one another and loving one another. Let us not neglect this!

Malachi 3:16 - Then they that feared YAHWEH spake often one to another: and YAHWEH hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared YAHWEH, and that thought upon his name.

Malachi 3:17 - And they shall be mine, saith YAHWEH of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Malachi 3:18 - Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth Elohim and him that serveth him not.

Yahweh is so pleased when He sees our fellowship. And we can see in Malachi 3:16 that He is very interested in our conversation, no matter where we are in the world. Whether in a home fellowship group, on the telephone or on the internet. Yahweh is listening in.

So if Yahweh is listening, let's make our conversation a holy offering to Him. Let's keep Him as the focus of our conversations

Yahushua said:

Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

You see, though we may not think much about it.. both the Father and the Son are very interested in being a part of our fellowship.

1John 1:1 - That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life--

1John 1:2 - the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us--

1John 1:3 - that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Yahushua the Messiah.

Therefore let us say, "Welcome to our fellowship, Almighty Yahweh...may it be pleasing in Your sight!"

So again, when we have that fellowship let's be careful how we conduct ourselves. For Yahweh is watching. Yes, Yahushua is in our midst!

1Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

1Peter 3:9 - not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

Evil for evil, reviling for reviling. These things must be set aside. Our enemy isn't our brother, for our brother is a companion of Yahweh. So maybe he isn't perfect....but are YOU?

John 3:11 - Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

John 3:12 - If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

Brethren, these are the heavenly things

This is the high calling

This is the way of eternal life

1John 3:23 - And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Yahushua the Messiah and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

John 4:7 - There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Yahushua saith unto her, Give me to drink.

1John 4:7 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of YAHWEH; and everyone who loves is born of YAHWEH and knows YAHWEH.

1John 4:11 - Beloved, if YAHWEH so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1John 4:12 - No one has seen YAHWEH at any time. If we love one another, YAHWEH abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.

2John 1:5 - And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.

1Peter 2:17 - Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear YAHWEH. Honor the king.

1Peter 4:8 - And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins."

Many people have problems finding fellowship because they meet people who do not live up to their standards.

Thus, they find themselves on a spiritual island because nobody is good enough for them.

It has been well said that if you ever find the perfect assembly...

..you wouldn't be able to attend!

So who are our brethren?

Matthew 12:50 - For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Mark 3:35 - For whosoever shall do the will of YAHWEH, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Luke 8:21 - And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of YAHWEH, and do it.

Now one might say.. "This person says he is a brother but a TRUE brother would never do _____ or ____. Therefore, since he didn't obey Yahweh in that area, he must not be a brother".

Now if one chooses to make that judgment...he must be VERY VERY careful!!!

You are literally judging whether or not someone has salvation when you make that statement! And when we make such a judgment, Yahushua said:

Matthew 7:2 - For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Therefore, for the rest of your life your own righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the one you are judging... or you may indeed receive the judgment you judged.

The truth is, we really don't know the heart of a man like Yahweh does

Ultimately, Yahweh knows who are His:

2Timothy 2:19 - Nevertheless the foundation of YAHWEH standeth sure, having this seal, YAHWEH knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of the Messiah depart from iniquity.

But many are quick to say, "That person isn't a brother because they they do not do ____ or they do ___ wrong."

Maybe they don't obey a certain commandment in the same way they do it.

But do they consider that they might also be failing in another area and they very well may have judged themselves right out of the kingdom?!

Maybe they are blind to one thing, or another.

But we ourselves are blind regarding another matter and we don't even know it!

With what judgment we judge, we shall be judged

The key is this..

Has the person repented? Are they truly seeking to do the will of Yahweh? Do they love the word of Yahweh?

Do they believe in Yahushua and have they received Him?

Now suppose you think they haven't

Taking the position that a person is your enemy, therefore you need not love him is wrong also.

We are also to love our enemies!

Matthew 5:44 - But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

There is truly no way around it! We must love our brother, neighbor and even our enemies.

Now it is true that David hated certain ones who hated Yahweh

Psalms 139:21 - Do not I hate them, O YAHWEH, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

These are Yahweh's enemies, ones that will never repent. David being inspired by the Spirit of Yahweh could make accurate judgments. We can also, but we better be right!

So... what if our brother continually sins against us..is he still our brother?

Matthew 18:15 - Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

And if he asks for forgiveness..forgive him:

Luke 17:3 - Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Luke 17:4 - And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

"Take heed to ourselves"... it's for our own benefit that we rebuke, and forgive upon his declaration of repentance.

One might wonder whether or not a person really repented after sinning 7 times in a day, but we are told to forgive

Maybe.. just maybe we even exceed 7 times in our own sins against Yahweh

If we are the one being rebuked, it is important that we do not confuse a rebuke with a desire to strive or argue on the part of the rebuker.

I think it is wise to consider one another's rebuke even if we disagree totally or view it as an attack.

Psalms 141:5 - Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

and

Proverbs 9:8 - Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Proverbs 15:32 - He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

Proverbs 15:33 - The fear of YAHWEH is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 17:10 - A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

Proverbs 19:25 - Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.

Proverbs 27:25 - The hay appeareth, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are gathered.

Proverbs 27:5 - Open rebuke is better than secret love.

This should tell us how important it is to consider reproof, yes?

Now it is true that sometimes rebuke from another isn't correct:

Jeremiah 15:15 - O YAHWEH, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

But if it's from our Master, it's ALWAYS correct. I think it wise to always pray when we encounter a rebuke, and do not immediately strive with them.

Revelation 3:19 - "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

What if Yahweh is trying to use a person to rebuke us and we fight against it?

What if it is our pride that is blinding our eyes and not our wisdom that is justifying it or disagreeing with it?

We should fear, lest we are found fighting against Yahweh.

Proverbs 29:1 - He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Now if we do rebuke another, and they do repent... it is VERY important that we do forgive. If we do not forgive, Yahushua says we will be in big trouble

Matthew 18:21 - Then came Kepha to him, and said, Rabbi, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Matthew 18:22 - Yahushua saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Matthew 18:23 - Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

Matthew 18:24 - And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

Matthew 18:25 - But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his master commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

Matthew 18:26 - The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Master, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Matthew 18:27 - Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

Matthew 18:28 - But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

Matthew 18:29 - And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Matthew 18:30 - And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

Matthew 18:31 - So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their master all that was done.

Matthew 18:32 - Then his master, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Matthew 18:33 - Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

Matthew 18:34 - And his master was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

Matthew 18:35 - So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

"So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye FROM YOUR HEARTS forgive not."

This is a serious matter, do not take it lightly!

Next time you have difficulty forgiving someone for doing some sin against you, take a moment and consider how many many times you have sinned against Yahweh.

A hundred pence versus ten thousand talents, brethren!

FORGIVE!

It isn't worth it not to!

Surely we do not want to be delivered to the tormentors.

Therefore we MUST forgive our brother from the HEART. Whether we forgive a brother or not can literally make the difference of whether we will enter into life or not. Therefore, unforgiveness is VERY dangerous.

Do we really forgive from the heart?

Mark 11:25 - And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Mark 11:26 - But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

In regards to our willingness to forgive another, let's not forget the pit that we were pulled out of!

Forgiving others should be a normal part of life here on earth. Indeed, it is part of how Yahushua taught us to pray on a daily basis:

Matthew 6:9 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Matthew 6:10 - Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:11 - Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 6:12 - And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Matthew 6:13 - And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Matthew 6:14 - For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Matthew 6:15 - But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Notice that He places emphasis on forgiving others, and He gives us an important promise. Let us seek peace with all, and let no root of bitterness spring up within us and defile us!

Hebrews 12:12 - Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,

Hebrews 12:13 - and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be [dislocated], but rather be healed.

Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see YAHWEH:

Hebrews 12:15 - looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the favor of YAHWEH; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

"defiled"

Bitterness defiles. The defilement affects how a bitter person treats another.

The lack of love comes through in one's actions and attitude.

Let's not fail to show mercy to others, and by that fall short of Yahweh's grace ourselves. "looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the favor of YAHWEH"

Leviticus 19:16 - Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am YAHWEH.

Exodus 23:1 - Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

Psalms 15:1 - YAHWEH, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?

Psalms 15:2 - He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.

Psalms 15:3 - He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.

Our tongue weighs a few ounces but can destroy much

Proverbs 11:13 - A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Proverbs 20:19 - He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.

Ephesians 4:31 - Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

Ephesians 4:32 - And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as YAHWEH in the Messiah forgave you.

James 4:10 - Humble yourselves in the sight of YAHWEH, and He will lift you up.

James 4:11 - Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

James 4:12 - There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?

Colossians 3:12 - Put on therefore, as the elect of YAHWEH, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:13 - Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as the Messiah forgave you, so also do ye.

Next time you might feel compelled to grumble about another brother, remember the door.

The door?

Yes

James 5:9 - Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!

Just as the Messiah forgives.. so we also should forgive!

Yahushua takes the beatings, mockings and spittings of the enemy and says "Father forgive them.."

Do we receive one ounce of disrespect and lash out like we've been slain?

It ought not be.

Let's serve one another in love, no matter how we are treated in return

Galatians 5:13 - For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:14 - For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Galatians 5:15 - But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

Galatians 5:16 - I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Brethren, we are in a battle together against the adversary.

Every time we sin against our brother, we are choosing the way of satan's kingdom and joining forces with him to destroy the brethren.

We need to be soldiers of Yahweh's army.. choosing righteousness, choosing love, and choosing humble service toward one another.

If we do this..

Then we WILL BE STRONG

We are the soldiers and Yahushua is the head of the army. Tell me, what army would stand --- if they themselves are fighting and devouring one another?

Yahweh would often throw his enemies into confusion during various wars. We need to act like Yahweh's army, not the armies of His enemies. We must beware that we are not sowers of dissension or the source of strife lest we be removed from His army.

Scripture says that he who sows discord is an Abomination to Yahweh.

Proverbs 6:16 - These six things doth YAHWEH hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

Proverbs 6:17 - A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

Proverbs 6:18 - An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,

Proverbs 6:19 - A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

Thus, it is dangerous to be the one who starts any dissension.

Proverbs 10:12 - Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

Leviticus 19:17 - Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

Leviticus 19:18 - Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am YAHWEH.

The world doesn't like rebuke and may think that you are being hateful or "judgmental". But rebuking our neighbor is a part of love. If we love him, we will guide him into the will of Yahweh and to cease from sin.

But we will do so with the spirit of gentleness.

Galatians 6:1 - Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

But if not..

Matthew 5:22 - But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

We should never rebuke out of hatred and wild/false accusations. Hatred toward a brother is very dangerous.

Indeed, hatred toward a brother is what caused the first murder ever committed.

In fact, it is impossible to love Yahweh if we hate our brother

1John 3:10 - In this the children of YAHWEH and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of YAHWEH, nor is he who does not love his brother.

Whose child do we desire to be?

Some very strong words on this subject brethren, let's be sure that we are not falling short!

Surely, we want to be children of Yahweh. If so, then let us love one another and bear no grudge or bitterness:

1Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

1Peter 3:9 - not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

In what manner shall we forgive others? Remember we are to forgive as Yahweh does, but how does Yahweh forgive?

Psalms 103:11 - For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

Psalms 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Psalms 103:13 - Like as a father pitieth his children, so YAHWEH pitieth them that fear him.

Psalms 103:14 - For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

Psalms 103:15 - As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Psalms 103:16 - For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

Psalms 103:17 - But the mercy of YAHWEH is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

Yahweh remembers that we are dust. Let's remember that our brother is dust also, and let our mercy be everlasting...and high as the heavens are from the earth.

Proverbs 17:9 - He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

If your brother sins against you, you ask him to repent and he does not want to hear you.. what do you do?

Matthew 18:16 - But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Matthew 18:17 - And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Matthew 18:18 - Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

From what I see, it is the assembly that should make the decision that one is not to be associated with the body of Messiah. It isn't a decision that any one person necessarily makes on their own

But if he does hear you:

James 5:19 - Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back,

James 5:20 - let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

Therefore we must lay down all pride, and tell our brother his sin.. in gentleness, remembering:

Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Philippians 2:4 - Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

It's easy to get prideful when correcting someone else. Never forget that we also have failed Yahweh and let's have the attitude of seeking to help a brother get closer to Yahweh...out of true love for him.

Let's walk in love...

Let's walk in humility...

Let's have sincere love for the brothers

1John 3:14 - We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

1John 3:15 - Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

1John 3:16 - By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Yahushua loves your brother so much that He laid down His life for him. Can we do that for one another?

It is a good thing to ponder this at all times:

1John 2:7 - Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.

1John 2:8 - Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.

1John 2:9 - He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now.

1John 2:10 - He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him.

"No cause for stumbling", HalleluYah!! How many are stumbling now because of a lack of love for the brethren?

If we are to give up our very lives if need be, then the little things, the little acts of service, the denial of self, ought to be nothing to speak of

1John 2:11 - But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

We say we walk in the light. We say we love the Torah and seek to live it

If we do, then let us serve one another in TRUTH, with JOY, and without grumbling or complaining.

Does Yahweh complain about helping us?

If we truly have Yahweh's Spirit..then we will have the fruits. Not just toward the world, but toward our brothers and our sisters also!

And not just our brothers and sisters in the world, but also our immediate family brothers and sisters... our spouses and our children!

This study tonight on love for the brethren very much includes our own family members who serve Yahweh.

In fact, that's where we will often be tested in this area the most...those we live with day to day.

So let's be sure to look at these scriptures with this in mind.

For home is the real testing ground.. where a man of Yahweh can become a hypocrite or a light to all nations.

Therefore, in all things, let us walk in the Spirit, in the light of Yahweh!

Not in darkness, where grudges, bitterness and ugliness toward one another are.

Have ye a grudge? Cast it from your heart!

Leviticus 19:18 - Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am YAHWEH.

Yahushua is coming for a pure bride, let's not risk our spiritual lives by failing to heed these precepts.

Let's put away the flesh and walk in the Spirit.

Let's purify ourselves for the coming of Yahushua and be without spot or blemish...

speaking often to one another...

serving one another...

in honor preferring one another...

considering one another better than ourselves...

being courteous..

being tenderhearted...

outdoing one other in love..

with peace and joyful willingness...

in longsuffering..

in patience...

...and in love for one another!

Blessed are those who are so doing when our Master comes. May Yahweh bless you and may He have mercy on us all!