The Real Test of Love

Daily devotions for 02-14-2006:

Title: The Real Test of Love
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Devotion: Elisabeth Elliot
Book: A Lamp For My Feet
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Title: The Real Test of Love

It is not difficult to imagine, in certain moods
and settings, that we love people. We may feel
expansive and good-natured for a variety of
reasons--our own good health or digestion, for
example, or beautiful weather, comfortable
circumstances, nice folks doing nice things for
us. The Bible is a sword that cuts through mere
sentiment. It tells us that the accurate test of
our love for God's children is obedience to God.
"By this we know that we love the children of
God, when we love God and obey His commandments"
(1 Jn 5:2 RSV). It is an objective test, not a
subjective one. Love as the Bible defines it is
perceptible through action rather than through
mere feeling. It is not, as Eric Alexander of
Scotland put it, a "glandular condition."

Much of the talk nowadays about loving one
another is soupy and silly. It will not stand the
biblical test. Love for people goes hand-in-hand
with love for God--if you don't love the brother
you see, how can you love the God you don't see?
Loving God requires submission to his
discipline--He rebukes, chastens, refines with
fire, purifies by trial. Do we love Him enough to
say yes to all that? Do we love others enough to
encourage endurance in them?

Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded Love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation,
Enter every trembling heart.
(Charles Wesley)

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