Parshas Lech Lecha 5787
ואתה ישראל ... זרע אברהם אהבי (ישעי' מא-ח)
Yeshaya HaNavi points out that not only did Avraham Avinu strictly adhere to the word of Hashem because it was the right thing to do, but also because “he loved Him (Hashem) dearly.” Chazal (Sotah 31a) make an interesting remark. Of course, Avraham’s many actions bespoke his deference for Hashem, but from where is it derived that Avraham acted out of a sense of love for Hashem and not out of fear of retribution?
R’ Nachman of Breslov zt”l (Likutei Moharan) explains that Avraham Avinu’s main character trait was his love for Hashem – as Yeshaya HaNavi exclaimed, “Avraham who loved Me (Hashem).” While love can sometimes be rooted in infatuation, true love transcends everything – including time itself. Chazal say (Sanhedrin 74a) that a person is required to sacrifice his life for the sake of Heaven in order not to commit idolatry. Thus, by allowing himself to be thrown into the burning fire for his beliefs, Avraham Avinu set the precedent for all future generations, and demonstrated his deep love for the Almighty. As a result, Hashem began to call him by the special title of "אוהבי" – “my beloved,” which demonstrated the reciprocal love that Hashem had for him.
Every generation is faced with its own spiritual perils and it is easy to simply throw in the towel. However, as the children of Avraham Avinu, it is our duty to step up and continue what Avraham started. As a part of our sacred inheritance, it is imperative to demonstrate the love we have for Hashem and perform His mitzvos in the best way possible.