In John 15:13 : Yeshua tells his apostles and disciples: "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." He tells us that the ultimate love is one of sacrifice, the antithesis of selfishness. The self makes you look to self-improve, self-control, self-indulge, it is what makes you do all manner of actions before asking whether or not it is right or appropriate. The self takes offense, the self takes over and the ability to love on God's terms is no longer available. Why would the greatest love die for friends and not for family, or country, or ideals?
Luke 12:53 states: "Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
Why will this happen? because when a person loses his/her self and takes on the characteristics of righteousness that is only found in the Trinity, they risk losing those relationships that have not taken on that yoke. The closest relationships remember the soul they grew up with, nurtured and loved, only to wake up one day and find a stranger in that place. The recognition of Yeshua ha Messiach becomes so complete that it transforms the deepest understandings into dust. That transforming knowledge of our Messiah makes every other relationship secondary, and in some unfortunate cases, lost to history. The brother will not understand why you will no longer pursue fornication, the father will not understand why his language is now offensive or how actions that were formerly acceptible are no longer permissible.
Some will lose everything in the pursuit of His yoke. They will lose family, friends and lovers. Yeshua knew this all too well, his own brothers and sisters did not understand Him, how will your family understand you?
Family becomes those that love the Lord the way you do. Those that cherish the growing knowledge and the sharpening of each other's blades.
I have many acquaintences but few true friends. To give one's life for family, or country, or ideals in an unselfish, spontaneous manner is heroic. To give one's life in a planned manner for the salvation of your friends is holy.
So on this date when we celebrate love I offer love as I have come to know it:
He heard the voice of God, left his loved ones behind and went into a far country, one that was promised to him and his seed.
James 2:23 : "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God."
To all my friends who have left so much behind,
I love you.
Abraham crossing the Jordan