Chapter 74—Love for the Erring
Christ came to bring salvation within the reach of all. Upon the
cross of Calvary He paid the infinite redemption price for a lost world.
His self-denial and self-sacrifice, His unselfish labor, His humiliation,
above all, the offering up of His life, testifies to the depth of His love
for fallen man. It was to seek and to save the lost that He came to earth.
His mission was to sinners, sinners of every grade, of every tongue
and nation. He paid the price for all, to ransom them and bring them
into union and sympathy with Himself. The most erring, the most
sinful, were not passed by; His labors were especially for those who
most needed the salvation He came to bring. The greater their need
of reform, the deeper was His interest, the greater His sympathy, and
the more earnest His labors. His great heart of love was stirred to its
depths for the ones whose condition was most hopeless and who most
needed His transforming grace.
In the parable of the lost sheep is represented the wonderful love
of Christ for the erring, wandering ones. He does not choose to remain
with those who accept His salvation, bestowing all His efforts upon
them and receiving their gratitude and love. The true shepherd leaves
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the flock that love him, and goes out into the wilderness, enduring
hardship and facing danger and death, to seek and save the sheep
that has wandered from the fold and that must perish if not brought
back. When after diligent search the lost is found, the shepherd,
though suffering from weariness, pain, and hunger, does not leave
it in its weakness to follow him, he does not drive it along, but oh,
wondrous love! he tenderly gathers it in his arms and, placing it upon
his shoulder, bears it back to the fold. Then he calls upon his neighbors
to rejoice with him over the lost that is found.
The parable of the prodigal son and that of the lost piece of silver
teach the same lesson. Every soul that is especially imperiled by
falling into temptation causes pain to the heart of Christ and calls forth
His tenderest sympathy and most earnest labor. Over one sinner that
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