Middot U'Mitzvot: Character Qualities and Commandments
For the Sake of the Good News


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For the Sake of the Good News

“We put up with all kinds of things so as not to impede in any way the Good News about the Messiah.” 1 Corinthians 9:12b

As children of the King we sometimes have to put up with irritations and frustrations. We sometimes have to go without or give up something so that another might be blessed. People who do not know Messiah, do not understand how their actions may interfere with something we are doing for the Lord. But, that’s ok. Because the Lord may have a different, and a better, plan than our own. Our ultimate goal in this life is to share the Good News about the Messiah Yeshua with as many people as we can. That’s our job – that’s our mission – that’s our calling as children of the King. And, if that means we have to go hungry so someone else can eat, or if that means we must be cold so another might be warm, then – for the sake of Messiah and that person’s soul – we are to endure such hardships. By showing the love of Messiah through acts of selflessness, others will be drawn closer to Yeshua. And then, they will be more open to hearing and receiving the Good News about Him.

Witness The Word

“From morning until evening he explained the matter to them, giving a thorough witness about the Kingdom of God and making use of both the Torah of Moshe and the Prophets to persuade them about Yeshua.” Acts 28:23

Have you ever found yourself debating issues about God or the Bible or the Messiah? Ever felt like you were going ‘round and ‘round in circles arguing points of theology and philosophy? Maybe you got sucked into a discussion where you found yourself “majoring on the minors” and trying to use human reason and logic to persuade someone of the truth? And then, when it was over, you felt frustrated and exhausted because you didn’t get anywhere? You’re not alone. Most of us have a tendency to get drawn into these kinds of discussions. The important thing is that we start to recognize it, and then, change our strategy. Rav Sha’ul (the Apostle Paul) is one of the greatest Torah scholars ever and we can learn from his example. Rav Sha’ul did not debate theologies and philosophies. He witnessed to others using God’s Word—he used the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings to persuade others about Yeshua. So, next time you find yourself debating with someone about God or the Bible or the Messiah, remember…witness the Word!

Pursue Peace and Holiness

“Keep pursuing shalom with everyone and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

In Matthew 5:44, Yeshua commanded, “love your enemies.” Did you know that even when we can’t stand somebody or that even if somebody treats us badly, we are to love them and to seek their good? As children of the king, we are to pursue (to run after, seek out, and search for) shalom – not just with our friends or with those whom we enjoy being around – but with EVERYBODY. And, to pursue shalom means more than just to make peace or to have the absence of strife. Shalom speaks of ones total well-being: physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. Shalom speaks, not just to being ok with one another, but of being fully in harmony with each other – of being made whole. And, as we pursue shalom with everyone, we are to also be pursuing holiness. We are to be running after and seeking out those things that set us apart for God – living lives that are dedicated to Him alone. So, if you ever find yourself wondering what you’re supposed to be doing with your life, just remember shalom and k’dusha – and pursue, pursue, pursue!

Kehilat Sar Shalom

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