Love's Promptings

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 10, 1913

Love's Promptings

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” You and I are a part of the great world that God loved so much. Only the impelling power of inexpressible love could prompt our Saviour to give all he had, and come to this lonely world to suffer and die.

Love is the foundation of all true happiness. A dreary world this would be without it. It binds in closest and tenderest union the hearts and lives of kindred and friends. It is love that rules and controls in the service of heaven; and when God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven, love will be the actuating energy.

God designs that the homes of his people shall be so full of his love that they will be little heavens on earth, where his Spirit can abide, and where each inmate will seek the others' comfort and happiness. The Scotchman must have had a happy home and known the joys of Christian service who, when asked if he believed in heaven, replied, “Why, man, I live there!” The picture that we see in this home is one of tenderest love and devotion, where each inmate loves God supremely and his neighbor as himself. They are no doubt a little band of missionaries, cultivating the Christian graces which always yield a harvest of flowers, not thorns.

In answer to the question by a London magazine, “What is home?” eight hundred replies came from persons representing all classes of society. Seven, called “gems,” were published, three of which were,—

“Home — a world of strife shut out, a world of love shut in.”

“Home — the place where the small are great and the great are small.”

“Home — the only place on earth where the faults and failings of humanity are hidden under the sweet mantle of charity.”

These tell us what is really comprehended in the term home. It is the duty of every family to make a real home, not merely a stopping-place for the members of the household. We always try to be kind and courteous to our friends or to strangers; why not much more so to our loved ones?

Let us look a moment on a condition which is too often seen, and note especially its result, by the blighted influence and fruitless efforts that are sure to follow. A Seventh-day Adventist family moved into a new neighborhood. They felt, in a measure, the responsibility resting upon them in the great work God has given us, and had a burden to do missionary work. As no Seventh-day Adventists had ever lived in this locality, the message was new to their neighbors, and opportunities for doing good multiplied. Many papers and tracts were distributed, books lent, and Bible studies and talks given, all of which was kindly received, and some were eager to learn more of the truth.

On calling at this home, some of the neighbors observed a spirit of criticism and faultfinding with one another, and frequent exchanges of sharp and unkind words. As these things were noticed, the luster of the truth that shone so brightly at first became dim, for the influence of the daily lives of the family was in opposition to what they professed. And what was the trouble? Simply that the love of Jesus was not in the hearts of the parents and children as it should have been. Family worship was usually held in the morning, but was sometimes omitted lest the children should be late to school, or for other reasons. They would be started off without asking the care and protection of the Lord for a day of trial and temptation, and no prayer would be offered for strength for the home duties of father and mother. “Little prayer, little power; no prayer, no power.”

Some of the neighbors found that these newcomers were not always fair and just in business deal. They failed to follow the golden rule, sometimes gave short measure, and left occasional debts here and there. They did not care for their horses and stock as the Lord says a righteous man will. Among their playmates the children were selfish and overbearing, showing the spirit that ruled at home. These things could have but one result, which it is needless to name. We can not but painfully regret that those who profess and know better things will and do permit the influence of their daily lives to put a coloring on their profession which spoils its aspect to all beholders.

In contrast to this, let us take a glimpse into another home. Here the children are all up in time to attend to their duties. All gather for family worship. A hymn is sung, God's blessing sought upon each one, and in a happy frame of mind all partake of the morning meal. There is no faultfinding nor scolding here; and as the day passes, each tries to make the burdens lighter. They are “kindly affectioned one to another . . . in honor preferring one another.” When the worries and vexations come, as come they will, strength is given to meet them without yielding. “Much prayer, much power.”

The people are wondering how they will like their new neighbors. It is not very long until there is sickness in the adjoining home. Our sister does not wait to be sent for, but finds her way to the sick-bed. Though this is the first acquaintance, she offers suggestions, applies some simple treatments, and the patient is soon relieved. Kindnesses are shown to other neighbors, and they win their way to the hearts of the people. As their faith and hope is from time to time introduced, it is gladly received, for they have the confidence of the people that their profession is real. They are anxious to know more of the secret of these lives that show such a contrast to others.

Here the truth had a favorable introduction, the first impressions of confidence being strengthened as the new neighbors became better acquainted. They always wore sunny faces, were ever ready to assist in any time of need, and thus had many opportunities to drop seeds of truth, either by word, tract, or paper, that bore fruit. Homes were opened for Bible studies, and these became more effectual because the beauty of the truth shone through the lives of the ones giving them. May we each own one of those “welcome faces that brings the sunshine to life's shadowed places.”