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Hundreds of years before the first word of the New Testament was penned, Hosea spoke for God and said, “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6.6). Jesus cited this very passage on at least two occasions during His earthly ministry (see Matthew 9.13,12.7). A deficit regarding this principle lay at the root of Israel’s problems during Hosea’s ministry, and it was also a key problem with the Jews during Jesus’ time here on the earth. Beyond this, the basics of this principle are also lacking in those who do not receive “the love of the truth.” This principle is a bit difficult to put into words, but the difference, spiritually speaking, is the difference between daylight and dark. I beg you to reason with me and grasp this eternity shaping difference.

A person can love truth, but be totally devoid of the love of the truth. Just to love truth is not nearly enough! There must be a willing submission to the truth. Additionally, there must be an attitude of submission that matures and blossoms as a result of the truth in one’s life. Here is the difference put in totally secular terms: I truly believe that I love my country as much as any other man alive. However, I am not too sure that I have the love of my country until I am ready to lay down my life willingly for it. The love of country grows out of experiencing the blessings that derive from being a citizen. The difference is one of theory and practice; its book learning versus practical application. From the outside, a citizen of another country might truly love America, but until he/she experiences the taste of freedom - tasting it and relishing it - the love of country cannot mature.

So it is with the truth that saves men’s souls. On the outside looking in, a love for truth may motivate me to seek and move ever closer to the truth. I may, in theory, love the truth and what it can mean to me and others. However, until I have fallen in love with the One who died to establish the truth of salvation, until I have tasted of the heavenly gift, there simply is no way I can fully appreciate it. It is the difference between knowing that I have an unimaginably rich benefactor, and knowing the benefactor; it is the difference between seeing a picture of a beautiful rose and holding and smelling the fragrance of the real thing!

The love of the truth is that love which motivates one to act because of and only because of love. It is the same unselfish motive that moved our Heavenly Father to give; it is the same unselfish motive that moved Jesus Christ to lay down His life as a ransom for mankind. Think about it: Every law of God, every principle, every precept, every prohibition, and every admonition – all that He ever did that is recorded in the Bible - was out of Divine Love and with the motivation to give! He wanted to give us the best – the best life, the best mate, the best friends, the best attitude, the best hope, the best reward, the best everything! The love of the Father is the love that gives and keeps on giving. The love of the truth is that same love – unselfish, unexcelled, never-ending, inexhaustible love. (continued).

Questions:

1. Did God demonstrate His love for humanity when He gave the Ten Commandments (even though 8 of the ten are negative “thou shalt not’s)? Why or why not?

2. What has God done to attempt to provide only the best for humanity? Start a list and see how long it becomes with almost no effort at all).

3. Is it enough to obey God in form? Or, must He be obeyed out of a submissive spirit?

4. Is it right to offer worship to God without the love of God in one’s heart? Of what avail is such worship or service (read Matthew 5.23-24)?

"Refreshment in Refuge" from Gina Burgess

3 steps to peace...