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R. L. THOMPSON

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 15, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 30.

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R. L. THOMPSON

By R. L. Thompson

Love

R. L. THOMPSON

“We love Him, because he first loved us.”
How supremely he loved us! His love to us came of the very essence of his being, for “God is love.” And because he has loved, we can love.
There is no sharp bargain sought in the life filled with love. The great sacrifice on Calvary sealed a life that was lived in sublime disregard of gain; it was the crowning proof that Jesus’ life was a sacrifice of love. There is no gain of love, save the sacrifice it makes; and the sacrifice is a gain—not as the world counts gain, but as God, who is love, counts it.
How often, when we are moved by love, do we count the little words, acts, and looks that in themselves are trivial as most significant and very precious. Just so we, although we are but worms of the dust, and are in no sense worth the price paid for us, are made of great value to God because he sees under the spell of his own great love. Only let us love enough, and we shall lay down our lives for the object of our love. And so God, being himself love, and loving us supremely, made the great sacrifice of redemption for us. Only thus can the atonement be understood; only thus can we see why God wants us.
Just as the life in us comes from God, so the love comes from him also. The love in the sparrow’s breast that inspires the happy care of the tiny birdlets, the love that thrills through the robin’s morning song, is an evidence, a hint, of God’s love. It is in every beating heart, and struggles earnestly for growth and expression. God has blessed us thus.
All forgiveness, mercy, and sacrifice of service spring from this, and in proportion to our love is the manifestation of these virtues in our lives. As we approach perfect love, we approach the perfect character of God.
The love of God is an altruistic power. It knows no work for self, and no end of work and service for others. By it we have the beautiful paradox of a King of kings, and Lord of lords, who is our servant and helper. Love makes the class lines disappear; even God himself gave his own Son to a life in the flesh common to sinful men.
Bethel, Wis.