Chapter 7—True Love or Infatuation
Love Is a Precious Gift From Jesus—Love is a precious gift,
which we receive from Jesus. Pure and holy affection is not a feeling,
but a principle. Those who are actuated by true love are neither
unreasonable nor blind
There is but little real, genuine, devoted, pure love. This precious
article is very rare. Passion is termed love
True love is a high and holy principle, altogether different in charac-
ter from that love which is awakened by impulse, and which suddenly
dies when severely tested
Love is a plant of heavenly growth, and it must be fostered and
nourished. Affectionate hearts, truthful, loving words, will make happy
families and exert an elevating influence upon all who come within
the sphere of their influence
True Love Versus Passion—Love ... is not unreasonable; it is
not blind. It is pure and holy. But the passion of the natural heart is
another thing altogether. While pure love will take God into all its
plans, and will be in perfect harmony with the Spirit of God, passion
will be headstrong, rash, unreasonable, defiant of all restraint, and will
make the object of its choice an idol. In all the deportment of one
who possesses true love, the grace of God will be shown. Modesty,
simplicity, sincerity, morality, and religion will characterize every step
toward an alliance in marriage. Those who are thus controlled will not
be absorbed in each other’s society, at a loss of interest in the prayer
meeting and the religious service. Their fervor for the truth will not
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die on account of the neglect of the opportunities and privileges that
God has graciously given to them
That love which has no better foundation than mere sensual gratifi-
cation will be headstrong, blind, and uncontrollable. Honor, truth, and
1
The Ministry of Healing, 358, 359
.
2
Testimonies For The Church 2, 381
.
3
Patriarchs and Prophets, 176
.
4
Testimonies For The Church 4, 548
.
5
The Review and Herald, September 25, 1888
.
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