Lovest Thou Me? | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 21, 1882

"Lovest Thou Me?"

A LITTLE neighbor of mine is noted among his acquaintances for prompt obedience to his parents. His grandfather told me a few days ago that he never knew him to hesitate a moment to do as he was bidden.

From my bed-room window I heard him called very early one morning, to "wake up," and make ready to carry a letter to the post-office for a neighbor who was too busy to go himself. In less time than it would have taken most boys to stretch themselves and rub the sleep out of their eyes, he was out in the street, tripping gaily along on his thankless errand. I was struck with his deportment for the following reasons:—

First, he was prompt and wasted no time asking questions.

Secondly, he did not consult his feelings, which might have clamored for a little more sleep.

Thirdly, he went willingly, although the business was no concern of his.

Fourthly, he did not look for a reward nor even turn his eyes with expectant look toward his neighbor's house when his errand was done.

What was the secret of this perfect obedience? It was not fear, for his parents were not severe with him. It was love. "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."

We who have been born of the Spirit are children of our heavenly Parent. How do we know that we love him? This is sometimes an agonizing question with us. In some moments of "heaviness, through manifold temptations," Satan may accuse us of being destitute of love, and we seem to be incapable of deciding the question by our feelings. Then let us "to the law and the testimony." John, the beloved disciple, the most intimate companion of our Saviour, who saw him transfigured, who leaned on his breast at the last supper, to whose care Jesus committed his widowed mother when dying on the cross, defines this most comprehensive word thus: "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous."

Love is prompt. "Go work to-day in my vineyard," is the command, and love does not wait to understand why he is to obey. "What I do, thou knowest not now, but shall know hereafter."

Love obeys, regardless of his feelings. "Be instant in season, out of season."

Love gives willingly; does not ask whether his own interests are going to be subserved. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Love does not think his work meritorious. "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants. We have done that which was our duty to do." Let us try ourselves by the Scripture rule.—Helen F. Dawley, in Golden Censer.