Trey Knowles: Risala 26 – Life and Love

For our Lord declares that He knows the plans He has for us—plans for welfare and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope.

Life: My Lord Yeshua commands all mankind to love one another, not to trespass against one another, and to live freely—yet in holiness, for our Father in heaven is holy.

What is love?

Love is patient and kind. It does not envy or boast; it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, nor is it self-seeking. It is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.

Give grace and mercy to those who are struggling, and encourage one another to do good. Walk always in the Spirit of God.

What is the Spirit of God?

It is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Do not make the lives of others difficult. Do not deny justice to the poor when they stand before you. If anyone among you falls into poverty in your towns, do not harden your heart or shut your hand against them. Instead, open your hand generously and provide for their needs, whatever their situation requires. Whoever oppresses the poor insults their Maker, but whoever is generous to the needy honors Him.

Whoever governs must do so with love, so that people may live freely. Leaders should provide true security by protecting the vulnerable and upholding justice for the poor. When rulers choose fairness over power, God establishes their authority.

By justice, a king builds up the land, but one who exacts unjust gain tears it down. It is an abomination for rulers to do evil, for the throne is established through righteousness. Rulers must speak for those who cannot speak, and defend the rights of all who are destitute. Judge righteously, and stand for the poor and the needy.

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and plead the cause of the widow.

But if anyone possesses the world's goods and sees a brother in need, yet shuts his heart against him, how can the love of God remain within him? For that is evil, and that is how an evil colonizer behaves.

Let no corrupt speech come from your mouths, for such behavior reflects what is evil. Instead, speak in ways that build others up and offer encouragement. Submit yourselves to God, so that He may guard you and set you apart from the wicked. In doing so, you will be able to resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not give up.

Whatever you do, work with all your heart, as for the Lord and not for men. And whatever you wish others would do to you, do the same for them. In loving our Father in heaven, be doers of the word and not hearers only, lest you deceive yourselves.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that by testing you may discern the will of God—what is good, acceptable, and perfect. Do not follow rulers or powers whose ways oppose God, but remain steadfast in righteousness.

If you live under an oppressive ruler or an evil colonizer, be vigilant, for those in power may create laws and systems that weigh heavily on the people and make life difficult for many.

House of Jacob, because of our Lord, you may face hatred or racism, but remain steadfast. Remember, if they hated our Lord without cause, they will also hate you without cause. Therefore, conduct yourselves with integrity, so that my Lord may clearly distinguish you from your enemies.

Guard your mind by being mindful of what you allow into it. Protect your body, and be careful about what you put in and on it. Be wise concerning medicines—read labels, ask questions, and seek understanding. It is better to nourish yourself with what is natural and what God has provided.

Do not be deceived by anyone. In James 1:27, religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Know thyself by knowing God our Father Character.

Sincerely, Trey Knowles, Grace and Peace.