Basic HTML Version
Chapter 18—True Love
True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. On the con-
trary, it is calm and deep in its nature. It looks beyond mere externals
and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, and
its devotion is real and abiding. God tests and proves us by the
common occurrences of life. It is the little things which reveal the
chapters of the heart. It is the little attentions, the numerous small
incidents and simple courtesies of life, that make up the sum of life’s
happiness; and it is the neglect of kindly, encouraging, affectionate
words, and the little courtesies of life, which helps compose the sum
of life’s wretchedness. It will be found at last that the denial of self
for the good and happiness of those around us constitutes a large
share of the life record in heaven. And the fact will also be revealed
that the care of self, irrespective of the good and happiness of others,
[134]
is not beneath the notice of our heavenly Father.
Brother B, the Lord is working for you, and will bless and
strengthen you in the course of right. You understand the theory of
truth, and should be obtaining all the knowledge you can of God’s
will and work, that you may be prepared to fill a more responsible
position if He, seeing you can glorify His name best in so doing,
should require it of you. But you have yet an experience to gain.
You are too impulsive, too easily affected by circumstances. God is
willing to strengthen, stablish, settle you, if you will earnestly and
humbly seek wisdom of Him who is unerring, and who has promised
that you shall not seek in vain.
In teaching the truth to others, you are in danger of talking too
strong, in a manner not in keeping with your short experience. You
take in things at a glance, and can see the bearing of subjects readily.
All are not organized as you are, and cannot do this. You will not
be prepared to patiently, calmly wait for those to weigh evidence
who cannot see as readily as you do. You will be in danger of urging
others too much to see at once as you see and feel all that zeal
and necessity of action that you feel. If your expectations are not
124