A Love That Moves the Earth: Echoes of the Shema and the Gathering

Brothers and Sisters, Builders of the Kingdom!

Have you ever felt that yearning, that deep pull towards something greater than yourself? That’s the echo of God’s love resonating within your soul. It's the same yearning that drove Samuel the Lamanite to scale those walls, the same fire that fueled Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, the same longing that compels us to participate in this moment of gathering.

This week, we’ve been studying the Hebrew understanding of love, specifically the word ahava as it appears in the Shema, that cornerstone of Jewish faith: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” It's a call to reciprocity, a covenantal response to God’s unwavering devotion to us.

The video we're looking at unpacks the richness of ahava. It's far more than a simple feeling. It’s a tapestry woven with threads of familial affection, loyal friendship, and political alliance. It's the love Abraham felt for his son Isaac, the fierce loyalty Jonathan had for David, the bond between Hiram, King of Tyre, and David himself – all described by the same powerful word.

But what truly sets God’s ahava apart is its eternal nature – it has no beginning and no end. It’s not a reaction to our worthiness, but a foundational aspect of His very being. As Moses declared, “The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor upon any of you, because ye were more righteous than all people…but for the Lord’s purposes.”

And here's where the gathering comes into sharp focus. God's love isn't passive; it demands action. It compels us to act with justice, to care for the vulnerable, to lift up the fallen. The call to love our neighbor as ourselves isn't a mere suggestion; it's a direct reflection of God's own character.

Think of Abinadi, facing down a corrupt king, knowing his words would cost him his life. That wasn't just courage; it was love manifested in action. Think of the five smooth stones David gathered, not just for physical defense, but as symbols of the strength and resilience born of unwavering faith. Each act of service, each gesture of kindness, each effort to build a more just and equitable world – these are all expressions of that same divine ahava.

The Builders vs. Destroyers distinction is stark. The Destroyers tear down, driven by selfish ambition and a lack of love. The Builders, however, are motivated by a love that transcends self-interest, a love that compels us to create, to restore, to gather.

Outback Jack reminds us that this isn’t a solitary endeavor. Just as Ammon rallied the people of Helam to defend their liberty, we are called to join together, to support one another, and to build this kingdom together. Consider the Charity Flywheel – your engagement here, your contributions, directly fund gospel advertising efforts, bringing the message of hope and restoration to places like Ghana. And the Missionary Fund empowers those on the front lines, sharing this message with the world. Every click, every share, every act of service fuels this momentum.

And remember, as Davee reminds us, quoting Moroni 10:4-5, “Charity never haneth itself against the truth…Yea, and it will surely lighten your soul, that ye have no more joy or care in the world.” That joy, that lightness, comes from participating in something truly meaningful, something that reflects the love of God.

Claim your church on the map of churches. Let’s be Samuel the Lamanite, sounding the alarm and beckoning the lost sheep home. Let us be Ammon, standing firm at the Waters of Sebus, defending the principles of righteousness. Let us be the Stone, cut without hands, revealing the truth to a world desperately seeking it.

What will *you* do to show your love for God today?