The hardliners are always with us. A group of them came to Antioch from Jerusalem and were outraged to find Jewish Christians eating with Gentile Christians. Not only that, they also demanded that Gentile converts become fully Jewish first - dietary laws and circumcision. The council held at Jerusalem wisely decided that requirements be held to a minimum. Nothing should hinder people from approaching God.

Do we have an open mindset of God's revelation? We can't limit God's grandeur. Take the vision of the heavenly Jerusalem as example, it does not describe a place or a thing, but a state of higher consciousness that is gifted to all who live in Christ. There is no division in this 'city'; nor is there need for a temple or outside illumination. All of these come from within, and we will dwell in God's presence, experiencing His love constantly.

What hinders us from loving God in all our undertakings? While we admit our finitude, we do know and experience God to the extent that we render our services in love. To love without measure is the Christological echo of all the holy men and women. John assures us that if we keep loving, Jesus and the Father will dwell within the believer. A homey connection. And even more - Jesus will gift us with the sort of peace that only He can give: the knowledge that we are loved and are of infinite worth.