Why doesn't God get rid of people who do evil acts?

Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen?

Most of us have wondered at some point: “Why does God let bad things happen to good people? Why doesn’t He just get rid of those who do evil?” These questions are honest, human, and deeply spiritual.

Years ago, I read The Shack by William P. Young and later watched the film. Both helped me see certain things from a different angle — not perfectly, but in ways that opened my heart to God’s perspective.

In Chapter 10, Mack asks Jesus why God doesn’t simply take control of the world to protect its beauty. Jesus explains that God refuses to impose His will because true relationships must be built on love, not force. Love cannot be coerced.

“Here Come Da Judge” — A Deeper Look

When Mack enters the cavern, he is still carrying unbearable grief and anger. The loss of his daughter has left him questioning everything — God’s goodness, justice, and love. He wants answers, but what he receives is something far deeper: a confrontation with his own heart.

Inside the cavern, he meets a regal, olive‑skinned woman standing behind a great ebony desk. She represents God’s justice — not cold or punitive, but radiant with mercy. Their conversation becomes one of the most piercing moments in the story.

She asks Mack to take the seat of judgment himself. Mack is told to choose which people deserve heaven and which deserve hell. At first, he lists murderers and abusers — those who have caused deep suffering. But then she turns the question inward: “What about your own children?”

Mack is horrified. He cannot choose. When pressed, he finally breaks down and cries that he would rather go to hell himself than condemn any of his children.

That is the turning point. Mack realizes that this is how God feels about humanity. The Father’s love is so deep that He would rather suffer Himself than lose His children. It reflects what Jesus did on the cross — taking our place, bearing our judgment, so that we might live.

This scene reveals that divine justice is not about retribution; it’s about restoration. God’s judgment flows from love, not anger. He sees every heart, every wound, and longs to heal rather than destroy. Through this encounter, Mack begins to understand that forgiveness is not weakness — it is the strongest expression of love.

I highly recommend the book or the movie. It’s deeply thought‑provoking.

The truth is: we are all God’s children, and He desires that none should perish. He is patient, giving every person time to turn toward Him. If we want to reflect His heart, we must also become patient — long‑suffering even — praying for all people, including our enemies, to come to know the Father and His Son, Jesus.

As Jesus prayed:

“And this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
— John 17:3

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“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
— John 13:34 (NIV)

What is Your Belief System?

What Do You Believe — And Is Love at the Center?

What do you believe? What faith tradition do you identify with? Are you agnostic, unsure, or still searching? Even if you call yourself agnostic, you still live by a belief system. We all do.

But whatever you believe, pause and ask yourself something deeper: Is love truly at the center of it?

Most of us long for peace instead of war, compassion instead of cruelty, healing instead of hatred. I believe that’s because there is that of God in every one of us — a spark of divine love that calls us toward goodness. Whether we acknowledge God or not, we feel that pull toward love because we were created by Love.

So why, then, do we often become rigid and demanding in our religions? Why do we say, “You must believe exactly as I do, or you’re not a good [insert religion here]”? Why do some communities discourage talking with people of other faiths?

I’ve learned — and am still learning — that when we truly listen to people who are not like us, we discover something beautiful. We share far more than we think: generosity, compassion, empathy, a desire to care for the vulnerable. These are deeply Christlike qualities. They flow from the image of God that is in all of us.

And yet, I also believe this with all my heart: if you don’t know Yeshua/Jesus, you are missing something precious and life‑changing.

Jesus is the Son of God who willingly came to earth and became human for our sake. He lived a life perfectly obedient to the Father, so that He could be the spotless Lamb sacrificed for our sins — all our sins.

When we finally recognize our true condition — that we are sinners in need of mercy — and when we genuinely want to change, we can repent. We can turn toward Him.

And when we welcome God — Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit — into our lives, something begins to shift. We start to learn what His kingdom is really like: a kingdom where love is not just an idea, but a way of living; a kingdom where truth and mercy meet; a kingdom where we are invited not only to believe in love, but to be transformed by the One who is Love.

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“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
— 1 John 4:16 (NIV)

Converting from Islam to Christianity

The topic of religious conversion is complex and deeply personal. People convert for various reasons, including spiritual experiences, personal relationships, and intellectual exploration. It's important to approach this subject with respect and sensitivity, recognizing that faith is a deeply personal journey for each individual.

Here are some stories:

Khalid's Story: Khalid Mansoor Soomro, from Pakistan, was a devout Muslim who had memorized the Qur'an by the age of seven. He often debated with his Christian classmates, challenging their beliefs. One day, he proposed a test: to burn each other's holy books. When he tried to burn the Bible, it struck his chest, and he fell to the ground, surrounded by smoke. In a vision, he saw a man with golden hair, wrapped in light, who told him, "You are my son and from now on you will preach the gospel in your nation. Go! Your Lord is with you." This experience led Khalid to embrace Christianity, despite facing disbelief and opposition from his family.

Nikta's Story: Nikta grew up in a strict Muslim household in Tehran, Iran, before moving to the United States. Despite her upbringing, she struggled with feelings of love and acceptance. During a difficult period in her life, she had a vision of Jesus while visiting family in Iran. In the vision, Jesus, with long dark hair and a blue robe, stood in an old wooden church and communicated to her, "Follow me." This profound experience led her to convert to Christianity, despite the challenges and opposition she faced from her family.

These stories highlight the powerful and transformative experiences that lead individuals to embrace a new faith.

I did some studies on what makes this so hard and the misconceptions about "God/Allah is One". Here is the post I did:

'God is One' 

Stressful Times

Where Is God in All This?

Our U.S. elections are coming up on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. It’s possible that Donald J. Trump could be elected president again — and personally, I do not believe that would be good for our nation.

Many observers have noted that Trump and his allies appear to be following a strategy reminiscent of authoritarian movements of the past: first securing enough popular support to win power, then working to weaken or eliminate opposition. Their Project 2025 blueprint outlines sweeping changes that could allow those in power to remove perceived threats, centralize control, and impose restrictions on freedoms — including the possibility of elevating a preferred national religion and tightening control over media and institutions.

If you support him and his allies, you may be unknowingly helping advance this agenda. Right now, you may seem useful in their pursuit of power — but history shows that those who outlive their usefulness are often discarded or silenced.

Around the world, more and more nations are falling under authoritarian rule, and these leaders are forming alliances. It’s unsettling to see figures like Putin and Kim Jong‑un strengthening ties, with reports suggesting that North Korea may even send troops to support Russia in Ukraine. Innocent people become pawns in a dangerous struggle for dominance.

If Trump were to become president again, many fear he would take an authoritarian approach here in the United States. The thought of him aligning with leaders like Putin is deeply troubling. It could place democratic values at risk and reshape our world in ways we may not yet fully understand.

But in the midst of all this, we must ask: Where is God?

I wrote a post back in 2013 titled “Where’s God?” — and I believe its message is more relevant now than ever. God has not abandoned us. He calls His people to stand firm, to love truth, and to resist evil not with hatred, but with courage, compassion, and clarity.

We are not powerless. We are called to pray, to discern, and to act with integrity — to be light in the darkness.

History repeats itself when people forget who they are and Whose they are. Let us remember: our allegiance is first to God’s Kingdom, not to any political party or earthly power.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:5 (NIV)

The Future of Our Planet Earth

https://sl.bing.net/iM3CkD4zgIu

I envision two potential futures for Earth, heavily influenced by the outcome of the 2024 United States presidential election. If Trump is elected, I fear a catastrophic future where our planet is ravaged by fire. Conversely, if Kamala Harris wins, I see a unifying force through the Holy Spirit, guiding people to alter the course of climate change.

Under Trump's presidency, I'm concerned we may witness a historical regression reminiscent of Hitler and the Nazis, with Trump potentially ruling as a dictator. Several former administration officials have labeled him a fascist, a sentiment echoed by General Milly. I worry that they will eliminate dissent, implement the measures outlined in Project 2025, and seize complete control, nationalizing religion and the media, thereby intensifying climate change to the point of global destruction by fire.

However, at political rallies led by Harris and Walz, I've observed a diverse coalition of individuals, including those historically marginalized, which fills me with hope. Native Americans, in particular, show a profound respect for our lands and a desire to safeguard them. Joined by many from various cultures and backgrounds who wish well for our planet, I believe that with the Holy Spirit's guidance, positive change is possible.

Hypocrisy

Refined Post: Hypocrisy and the Call to Integrity

When I woke up this morning, my mind went straight to the subject of hypocrisy. Scripture speaks with piercing clarity about the danger of claiming devotion to God while living in ways that contradict His character.

Bible Verses on Hypocrisy

1 John 4:20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.

1 Peter 2:16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover‑up for evil; live as God’s slaves.

Galatians 6:3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.

Jeremiah 23:11 “Both prophet and priest are godless; even in my temple I find their wickedness,” declares the Lord.

Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

Luke 12:2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.

Mark 7:6 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”

Matthew 6:1 Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them…

Romans 10:3 Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

Titus 1:16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him…

Matthew 23:27–28 “You are like whitewashed tombs… outwardly righteous but inside full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”

Luke 20:46–47 “Beware of the teachers of the law… They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers.”

James 1:22–23 Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.

Matthew 6:16–18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do…”

Matthew 7:21–23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…”

Reflection

I am writing about this because hypocrisy is not just a spiritual issue—it becomes a societal one when people in positions of authority claim moral or religious authority while refusing to live by the standards they promote.

In recent public discussions, some members of Congress have expressed interest in shaping national laws according to their interpretation of the Bible. News coverage has highlighted these debates, and different commentators have raised concerns about how such proposals might affect governance and public life. These discussions often bring up a deeper question: What happens when leaders invoke God’s authority but do not demonstrate God’s character?

Scripture reminds us that God is perfect, but people are not. And when individuals who create or enforce laws do not hold themselves to the same standards they expect from others, Scripture has a word for that: hypocrisy.

The Bible consistently warns against using God’s name, God’s Word, or God’s authority as a cover for personal ambition, control, or self‑righteousness. Jesus reserved some of His strongest rebukes for those who claimed spiritual authority while living contrary to God’s heart.

If we invoke God’s righteousness, we must also submit to it. If we speak God’s Word, we must also live it. If we call Jesus “Lord,” we must do what He says.

Hypocrisy is not merely a flaw—it is a spiritual danger, a relational wound, and a distortion of God’s truth. Scripture calls us to something better: integrity, humility, and obedience.

Does God Have a Native Language?

This morning, a simple but intriguing thought surfaced. Across the world, every culture uses different names for the same divine reality. I call God “Father God” or simply “God.” I call Jesus “Jesus” or “Yeshua.” In Spanish, God is “Dios,” “Señor,” or “Padre,” and in Mexico the Child Jesus is affectionately called “Niño Dios,” “Chucho,” or “Chuy.”

Different languages, different sounds — yet the same God.

Despite our linguistic diversity, the image of God we hold in our hearts is often remarkably similar. The same is true of Jesus. It’s astonishing that God can speak to each of us in our own languages at the same time, and Jesus can do the same.

The Question That Sparked the Meditation

If God communicates through every human language, does He Himself have a native language?

Jesus existed with Father God long before creation. If Jesus has a native language, is it the same as the Father’s? And if so, what would that language even be? Would it resemble anything we know? Would we be able to pronounce it?

Or — and this seems just as possible — perhaps “language” as we understand it doesn’t exist in God’s realm at all.

Scripture and the Nature of Divine Speech

• God speaks creation into existence (Genesis 1). His speech is not merely communication — it is power, intention, and being.
• Jesus is called the Word (Logos) (John 1:1–3). This suggests that divine “speech” is not sound or grammar but the very expression of God’s nature.
• The Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26). Even prayer, at its deepest level, transcends human language.

These passages hint that God’s “native language” may not be a language of syllables but a language of perfect unity, perfect will, perfect love — a communication so complete that nothing is lost, nothing is misunderstood, and nothing needs translation.

Names Beyond Human Tongues

If God and Jesus have names in their own divine “language,” they may be:

• Unpronounceable by human tongues
• Unbound by alphabet or sound
• Expressions of identity rather than labels
• Known fully only within the divine relationship itself

Every earthly name — “God,” “Father,” “YHWH,” “Yeshua,” “Jesus,” “Dios,” “Chuy” — may simply be God graciously allowing Himself to be known in forms we can understand.

Closing Meditation

These thoughts may seem unusual, but they point to something beautiful: God meets us where we are. He speaks in our languages, our cultures, our sounds, our symbols — not because He is limited, but because His love is limitless.

Whatever God’s native language is, it is spoken fluently in every heart that seeks Him.

Unity Series

Continue exploring reflections on divine unity and calling:

Does God Have a Native Language? Lead Us Not Into Temptation Are All Called?

Can You Love; Without God?

Can Someone Who Does Not Believe in God Love?

Yes — I believe they can. Not because belief creates love, but because there is “that of God in everyone.” This is why even those who do not name God can still act with compassion, tenderness, and deep moral clarity.

What Do Quakers Mean by the “Inner Light”?

Quakers describe the Inner Light as the divine spark placed within every person — a quiet, guiding presence that nudges us toward truth, peace, and love. It is not a claim that humans are divine, but that God’s love reaches into every human heart.

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The Human Problem

Imagine if we could love all the time — truly, consistently, without interruption. There would be peace. But that’s not how life works.

You may have a close friend you cherish. Being with them feels peaceful and grounding. Then something happens — a misunderstanding, a wound, a moment of pride — and suddenly the peace is gone. Communication stops. Distance grows. The bond fractures.

This is the human condition. We long for love, yet we break it. We desire peace, yet we sabotage it. We want unity, yet we drift into separation.

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Where Jesus Steps In

This is why Jesus came. He is the mediator who restores what we break — the One who steps between estranged hearts and makes peace possible again.

Jesus would do whatever it takes to bring reconciliation, even if it meant giving His life. That is how deeply the Father and the Son love us. They will go to any length to restore peace.

God the Father sent His Son to take on human form — not as a symbolic gesture, but because a real human life was needed. Someone who could live flawlessly, fully upholding the law, standing in our place. Justice mattered. Mercy mattered. Love held them together.

Jesus willingly accepted this mission — out of love for the Father and out of love for us.

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What Love Really Is

Love is not a solitary feeling. It cannot thrive in isolation. Love is relational — it lives, breathes, and grows in connection with others.

Love is a deep emotional bond that goes beyond affection or attraction. It includes compassion, respect, tenderness, and a desire for another’s well‑being. It shows up in many forms: romantic love, family love, friendship, and even self‑love.

At its core, love requires vulnerability, selflessness, and a willingness to give. And this is why love points us back to God — because God is the source of all true love, and Jesus is the One who restores our ability to live it.

Unity Series: Exploring God’s heart for reconciliation, peace, and the restoration of all things. Read more Unity posts here.

Can Someone Who Does Not Believe in God Love?

Explores the Quaker idea of the Inner Light and how Jesus restores peace through divine love.

Continue the Unity Series:

• All Unity Posts
• Unity Series Index
• Posts on Love

Obeying The Laws VS Love

I had an intriguing thought last Sunday morning about the contrast between Jewish and Christian teachings. In Judaism, there is a strong emphasis on knowing and obeying the law. Meanwhile, Christianity centers around love as the guiding principle.

But this raises a thought-provoking question: If someone loves but does not know the laws, will that love naturally lead them to obedience? Conversely, if a person diligently follows the laws, does that process cultivate love within them?

ChatGPT provided an insightful response on this topic, exploring both perspectives.

Jewish Perspective:

In Judaism, obeying the laws (mitzvot) is foundational. These commandments serve as a path to holiness, righteousness, and a deeper connection with God and others. However, the laws are not solely about strict adherence—they are meant to be observed with intention and love. The Torah reinforces this idea with commandments such as “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). In this way, obedience is seen as a reflection of love rather than separate from it.

Christian Perspective:

Christianity, particularly the New Testament, presents love as the ultimate fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:10 states, “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.” The belief is that a heart full of genuine love naturally aligns with moral principles, making explicit adherence to the law less of a rigid requirement and more of a natural outcome.

The Relationship Between Love and Law:

• If You Love but Don’t Know the Laws: From a Christian viewpoint, authentic love can lead a person to act in ways that inherently align with the moral essence of the law. However, without knowledge of specific commandments, they may unknowingly overlook certain behaviors considered important in religious tradition.

• If You Obey the Laws, Does That Lead to Love?: Within Jewish practice, following the laws is designed to foster closeness to God and a harmonious community. Obedience can cultivate love when done with the right heart and understanding. However, if a person follows laws mechanically without purpose or devotion, they may not experience the deeper love those laws aim to nurture.

Ultimately, love and law are intertwined rather than opposed. In Judaism, obeying the laws with the right intention can lead to love, while in Christianity, love is seen as the true fulfillment of the law. Both perspectives acknowledge that love and law work together to shape a meaningful spiritual journey.

Reflecting on this, I was reminded that humanity, in its imperfections, has fractured the peace between each other and God. Yet, in His mercy, God sent His Son, Yeshua (Jesus), to live a perfect life in obedience, becoming the spotless sacrifice for our shortcomings. His sacrifice restores the possibility of peace for us all. Through repentance, we accept His forgiveness and invite transformation into our lives. And even in that process, God is ready to guide us toward change.

A Righteous Man

 

A righteous man is someone who follows moral principles and ethical conduct, consistently striving to do what is right, just, and fair in all their actions and interactions. Such a person embodies qualities like honesty, integrity, compassion, and a strong sense of justice. In many religious and philosophical traditions, a righteous man is also seen as living in accordance with divine or spiritual laws. 

In my view, none of these qualities are evident in Trump. It appears to me that Trump does not advance the gospel of Yeshua (Jesus Christ); instead, he seems to use Christianity to further his own agenda.

Separation of Church and State

 

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects religious liberty by limiting the government's authority to civil issues and preventing it from establishing a religion.

SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE

In countries where a dictator is in control, the main religion often becomes a powerful tool for maintaining authority and control over the populace. These regimes frequently leverage religion to legitimize their rule, unify the country under a common identity, and suppress dissent.

1. **Legitimizing Authority**: Dictators often claim divine right or portray themselves as chosen by a higher power. By aligning themselves with religious leaders or symbols, they create a narrative that their leadership is sanctioned by a higher authority, discouraging opposition on moral or spiritual grounds.

2. **Unifying the Population**: Religion can be a unifying force, and dictators exploit this by promoting a single, state-approved interpretation of the main religion. This fosters a sense of national unity and identity, making it easier to mobilize the population for the regime's goals and to isolate and demonize those who do not conform.

3. **Suppressing Dissent**: Religious doctrines and institutions are used to justify the suppression of opposition. Dictators may label dissenters as heretics or enemies of the faith, thereby framing political opposition as a moral and religious transgression. This not only justifies harsh crackdowns but also discourages people from voicing dissent due to fear of social and religious ostracization.

4. **Control of Religious Institutions**: Dictators often place loyalists in key positions within religious institutions or create state-controlled religious organizations. This ensures that religious teachings and activities align with the regime’s interests, preventing religious leaders from becoming sources of opposition.

5. **Propaganda and Indoctrination**: Religious rhetoric and symbols are integrated into state propaganda. Schools, media, and public events emphasize religious teachings that support the dictator’s narrative, creating an environment where the regime's ideology is seen as intertwined with religious duty.

In summary, dictators exploit religion as a multifaceted tool to reinforce their power, suppress opposition, and unify the populace under their rule. This manipulation of faith not only consolidates their control but also makes it harder for opposition movements to gain traction in a society where religious and political identities are closely intertwined.

Elijah Must Come and Restore All Things

Title:

Elijah Must Come and Restore All Things

Opening Scripture:

Matthew 17:10–11 (NIV)

10 The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 11 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things.”

Introduction:

Jesus spoke these words during His first coming, when He came to take away the sins of the world. In this moment, He hinted that John the Baptist had come in the spirit of Elijah—preaching repentance, confronting corruption, and ultimately facing martyrdom.

Prophetic Fulfillment:

Malachi 4:5–6 (NIV)

“See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”

This prophecy points to a future return—before the end times and the second coming of Yeshua. It’s a call to repentance and relational restoration.

Historical Parallels:

• Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18–19): Destroyed for their unrepentant wickedness.

• Nineveh (Book of Jonah): Spared because they repented when warned.

These stories illustrate the consequences of ignoring God’s call—and the mercy available to those who respond.

Reflection:

Elijah’s return is not just a prophetic event—it’s a spiritual wake-up call. Will we be like Sodom, hardened and defiant? Or like Nineveh, humble and repentant?

Prayer:

Lord God, Purify our hearts and prepare us for Your coming. Let us not be like Sodom, hardened and deaf to Your voice, But like Nineveh, quick to repent and eager to change. Turn our hearts toward one another, and toward You. May the spirit of Elijah awaken us to truth, And may we walk in the light of Your kingdom. In the name of Yeshua, our Redeemer, Amen.

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6/10/24

I woke up this morning with this on my mind, "Purify my heart"

https://youtu.be/RNCkYP_OchQ?si=HRnL0wwuBmSGjeIQ

LOVE

I woke up early this morning and I remembered that I was dreaming about LOVE. I was specifically dreaming about the medic, Desmond Doss, who is credited with saving more than 70 solders lives, even enemy soldiers', during one of the bloodiest battles of World War II in the Pacific. He did it without carrying any kind of protection for himself. He refused to carry a weapon or take a person's life. When he enlisted into the Army, he told them this and was almost rejected for service. They thought that he wouldn't make a good solder, but they took him anyway. He went through literal hell from his commanders and fellow soldiers, but he never quit/gave up. Click the link and go down to the 'Synopsis' of the movie. The movie, 'Hacksaw Ridge', based on true events. It is well worth seeing if you haven't already. (maybe without children). His whole character was amazing, hard to believe, and is one example of LOVE (AGAPE LOVE). The kind of LOVE that Father God and his son, Yeshua (Jesus) has.

I've been thinking a lot about my life lately. I cannot remember if I have ever loved that deeply. The Bible talks about God's chosen. Jesus said that his disciples were the ones his Father God gave him, specifically chosen. I wonder now, are God's chosen the only ones who have that kind of LOVE? I am not saying that we can't love unless we've been chosen by God. I kind of think our love may not be Agape Love, but some flavor under that.

I remember that on the day of Judgement there are many books that will be opened. But there is one book that stands apart from all the others. It is called the Book of Life, God's chosen. If we could see those who God has chosen, I think we might be quite surprised by those He has picked.

Here is a thought about how to obtain LOVE. Repent, empty self; my will dies. Ask Yeshua (Jesus) in and his will takes over.

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All of a sudden, I am being reminded of a number of old posts:

Monday, August 3, 2020 ---- Love

Sunday, June 24, 2018 ----- Love Thy Enemy

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5/5/2024

Talking about coincidences. This morning at church, our pastor had a sermon on LOVE. His favorite scripture verses on the subject are 1 Corinthians 13; mine too.

1 Corinthians 13

New International Version

13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Judgment Day

Judgment Day

If today were Judgment Day, Yeshua (Jesus) has finished putting a spotlight on your life, and he tells you to go away, he never knew you, how would you feel? How would I feel?

If today were it, Judgment Day, I don’t believe that I would do well. So many things I have done and not done. I think that what I would regret most is missing the opportunities to talk with someone. I will get kind of a inclination to talk with someone. I mull it over in my mind why not to and why I should. If I finally decide to do it, go talk with them, more often than not, it is too late. The person is gone. Whenever we feel the need to meet someone, just do it. Don’t think, just do it. These opportunities go away quickly.

In the book "Celestine Prophecy" it calls these opportunities coincidences. They are important to us and have great meaning. If not at that very moment, then for a later time.

I've repented a number of times but seem to fall back into my same old person. I think, how can God put up with me?  His Son, Yeshua (Jesus) went through unimaginable things so that I could be forgiven. Why can’t I honor him? Why can’t I honor Father God for His plan to save us? Such Love those two have for us…...

We can ask forgiveness today and after seeing that we fail, we can ask forgiveness and try again. One day the disciple Peter asked Yeshua (Jesus), "How many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus tells him, "Not seven times, but seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:21-35)

God is patient with us, but His patience is finite. Some day we will be judged. No one but Father God knows when that will be.

Forgiveness is circular or reciprocal. If we forgive then we are forgiven.

Matthew 6:14-15

New International Version

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

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Think about what Yeshua (Jesus) went through, for us all, so that we could have forgiveness.

Here are the crucifixion stories in the Bible:

Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19 

He endured things beyond our comprehension. He did it for all of us.

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If being fearful of God makes you do good works, then be afraid. If doing good works is for rewards at Judgment Day, then that is for your benefit. Doing good works because you LOVE is the ultimate reason. LOVE like Father God and Yeshua (Jesus) LOVE. I think this may be what "The Way" means in the Bible.

John 14:6

New International Version

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

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John 14:15-16

New International Version

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—

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4/24/2024

I was looking through some of my old posts and came across 'The faith that justified Abraham'. This is a long read but I feel like it goes very well with this post and the 'Good Works' post.

Compassion and Love

Unity Series: Love Moves Us Into Action

I used to think compassion and love were the same thing. They felt similar—both warm, both tender, both stirred by seeing someone hurting. But lately, as I’ve looked honestly at my own life, I’ve realized something uncomfortable. I can feel compassion… yet stop there. I can ache for someone, but not move toward them. I can care, but not act.

And that’s the difference.

Compassion feels.
Love does.

When Scripture speaks of the Father and of Yeshua (Jesus), compassion is never passive. It always becomes movement, sacrifice, giving, healing, restoring. Divine compassion acts, and that action is what Scripture calls love.

John 3:16 (NIV)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Love gives.

1 John 3:16 (NIV)
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”

Love lays itself down.

This is the pattern of the Kingdom. This is the unity Yeshua prayed for—a people who don’t merely feel compassion but embody God’s love through action, truth, and sacrifice.

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Children of God: Formed by Love, Purified by Hope

1 John 3 reminds us that the Father has lavished His love on us, calling us His children. That identity isn’t sentimental; it’s transformative. When we hope in Christ, we purify ourselves. When we abide in Him, we stop living in the old patterns of sin. When His seed remains in us, His life reshapes ours.

John draws a sharp line:

• Those who do what is right belong to God.
• Those who refuse to love remain in death.
• Those who hate are aligned with the evil one.
• Those who love have passed from death to life.

Love isn’t optional.
Love is the evidence of new birth.

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Love That Acts, Not Just Speaks

John doesn’t let us hide behind feelings or words:

1 John 3:18 (NIV)
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

If we see a brother or sister in need and do nothing, John asks the piercing question:

“How can the love of God be in that person?”

This isn’t condemnation—it’s invitation.

God is greater than our hearts.
He knows our weakness.
He knows our shame.
He knows our desire to love but our struggle to follow through.

And still, He calls us forward.

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The Command That Unifies Us

John brings it all together in one simple, powerful command:

1 John 3:23 (NIV)
“To believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us.”

Belief and love.
Faith and action.
Trust and obedience.

This is unity—not just agreement, not just shared doctrine, but shared life, shared love, shared sacrifice.

When we keep His commands, we live in Him and He in us. And we know this by the Spirit He has given us.

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Where This Leaves Us

If compassion is where we stop, we remain unchanged.
If compassion becomes love—real, embodied, sacrificial love—then we begin to look like our Father.

And that is the heart of the Unity Series:
Becoming one with God by becoming one with His love.

Easter -- Passover -- Ramadan ---Yeshua Jesus Is the Messiah

From what I understand about Muslims, they believe that Yeshua Jesus is just a prophet. The Jews don't accept Yeshua Jesus as the Messiah. Both don't believe that Jesus is who he says he is because they think he disobeyed God's laws. Was Jesus disobedient? NO, on the contrary; he was perfectly obedient. He obeyed all God's laws. Isn't LOVE most important? All the laws are summed up in this one decree: "LOVE your neighbor as yourself." 

Romans 13:8-10

New International Version

Love Fulfills the Law

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.

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If the law seems to say don't do something but LOVE says, do it, doesn't Father God want us to do it? In all the things that Jesus did where Jews and Muslims say that Jesus disobeyed God's laws, he did them out of LOVE? Everything he did was out of LOVE for his Father God and LOVE for people. 

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The Passover lamb, the Messiah, had to be perfect, without blemish. He had to be one of us, so Jesus came into this world the same way as we do. His mother was human but no human father. God is his Father. Joseph was his surrogate earth father. It had to be this way so Jesus could experience everything we experience but without sin, completely, and perfectly obedient.

In my last post, I think "God is one"; "Alah is one" is misunderstood., I showed why I believe that Jesus was involved in creation. That he existed with Father God before everything was created. In all three holy books, Bible, Torah, Quran, the creator is plural, more than one. When man was created, two were created in God's image. In marriage, the two become ONE. Becoming ONE is the essence of LOVE.

I think "God is one"; "Alah is one" is misunderstood.

What does it really mean when Scripture says that God is “one”? Across the Bible, the Tanakh, and the Qur’an, this oneness points not to isolation but to a divine unity rooted in perfect love. From the plural language of creation to Yeshua’s prayer in John 17, the story of God reveals a relationship of shared glory, purpose, and oneness—a unity we are invited to enter.

God Is One: A Oneness Rooted in Love

In the Christian Bible, the Jewish Tanakh, and the Islamic Qur’an, God—Yahweh—Allah—is described as one. We often interpret this to mean a single, solitary Deity. But I’ve come to believe that “one” means something deeper than numerical singularity.

I believe “one” means perfect unity—perfect love.

Let me explain.

The Plural Language of Creation

In the creation accounts of all three traditions, the Creator sometimes speaks in the plural: we, us, our.

If “one” simply meant a solitary being, why not use I and my?

Consider the creation of humanity in Genesis:

Genesis 1:26–27 (NIV)

“Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…”

“So God created mankind in his own image… male and female he created them.”

Two humans—male and female—are created in “our” image. This plurality is intentional.

Yeshua in the Beginning

I believe Yeshua (Jesus) is the “us” and “our” referenced in Genesis. His own words in John 17 reveal a pre‑existent unity with the Father:

John 17:4–5 (NIV)

“Glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”

Yeshua shared glory with the Father before creation. This is not separation—it is unity.

Eternal Life and Divine Relationship

Jesus also defines eternal life in relational terms:

John 17:1–3 (NIV)

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Eternal life is knowing God—not information, but relationship.

Oneness as the Heart of God

In John 17, Jesus prays that His followers would experience the same oneness He shares with the Father:

John 17:20–23 (NIV)

“…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you… I in them and you in me… brought to complete unity.”

This is the key. God’s oneness is not isolation—it is perfect unity of love. And Jesus invites us into that same unity.

Why I Believe “God Is One” Means “God Is Love”

When Scripture says God is one, I believe it is describing the oneness of divine love—a unity so complete that Father and Son are inseparable in purpose, glory, and being.

Who but a loving Father would offer His perfect, obedient Son as a sacrifice for us—His disobedient children? This is not the action of a solitary deity acting alone. This is the expression of relational love at the center of the universe.

John 17 is the clearest window we have into the relationship between Father and Son—a relationship defined by glory, unity, mutual love, and shared purpose “before the world began.”

The Full Prayer of John 17

John 17 New International Version Jesus Prays to Be Glorified 17 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. Jesus Prays for His Disciples 6 “I have revealed you[a] to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of[b] your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by[c] that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[d] the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. Jesus Prays for All Believers 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you[e] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

In Summary

• God is described as one in Scripture.

• Yet the Creator speaks in plural terms: “Let us make mankind…”

• Yeshua reveals He shared glory with the Father before creation.

• Jesus prays that believers would share the same oneness He shares with the Father.

• This oneness is not mathematical—it is relational.

• Therefore, “God is one” means God is perfect, unified love.

This is the oneness we are invited into. This is the unity Jesus prayed for. This is the heart of the Father.

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Unity Series — Existing Posts

God Is One
The Acts Church: A Spirit-Led Model for Today’s Believers
Test The Spirits
Becoming One → Is it possible?
The Lord’s Prayer
Where’s God? (Draft)
Becoming Like Little Children to Enter the Kingdom

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