“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 (NKJV)
I usually say, “Love is an action word!” You should be able to tell someone you love them without using words. A good guide for all of us is found in 1 Corinthians 13.
In Numbers 12:1-15, the patriarch Moses demonstrated the sincerity of his love for his siblings when they grumbled against him because he had married an Ethiopian woman. It wasn’t just the fact that they grumbled about his romantic relationship; they dared to question his relationship with the Lord! Now they were in danger, because the Lord responded to them for Himself!
The Lord summoned the three siblings to a meeting at the tabernacle. He called forth Miriam and Aaron and told them exactly how He felt about Moses. He said he spoke to Moses face to face, not in dreams as He did with other prophets. Moses was favoured.
Then came the discipline! When the Glory of the Lord lifted from the tabernacle, Miriam’s body was changed to that of a leper! I’ve often wondered why Aaron wasn’t disciplined as well, but now I know that God, in His Omniscience, heard the hearts of the siblings even before Aaron uttered a word.
Aaron was repentant. His words not only sought forgiveness, but he also demonstrated love for his sister, admitted their folly, and begged for mercy for her.
Moses, too, demonstrated his love for his sister, even though she had spoken ill of him, and cried out to God on her behalf. In response, God heard His forgiving son, Moses, and, in His love, ordered that Miriam be shut out of the camp for seven days. This gave her time to repent and be healed. What a lesson in humility, forgiveness, and love.
1st Peter 4:8 (KJV) encourages us: “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” Moses’ example is an excellent one fo us to adopt in our lives. Praise the name of the Lord!
Prayer
Dear Father, thank You for loving us enough to send Your Son, Jesus, to die in our place. Please help us remember this when we are asked to forgive those who do not demonstrate Your love toward us. Even if they do not repent, do not let our hearts be hardened, but help us to love always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Matthew 6:14-15; James 5:20
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 6:1-11; Mark 8:14-38; Mark 9:1; Exodus 37; Exodus 38