A True Expression of Love by Chas. P. Whitford

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 1, 1912

A True Expression of Love

By Chas. P. Whitford

CHAS. P. WHITFORD

My love for my fellow men is demonstrated by the extent to which I am willing to serve them. A willingness to sacrifice in service is the highest possible expression of love.

We are sometimes deeply moved at the recital of the need of our fellows. We feel tears coming to our eyes, and our hearts throb. That is a right kind of feeling, but the test of genuine love is something more than an emotion of feeling. The genuineness of true love finds expression in rendering service to others,—even that service which counts life as naught in comparison to the well-being of all God's children.

The same principle holds good in our relations to God. True religion is action, having service as its chief purpose and sacrifice as its method. We may feel the presence of the sweet and tender influence of the Spirit of Christ in our hearts, but if we are not willing to render cheerful, loving obedience to all God's commandments, we thereby give evidence that we have not perfect love for God. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5 · 3.

Love to God finds expression in service; in obedience by the sacrifice of ease, comfort, and convenience. If we would to-day give body and mind and heart and will to this obedience, to this service, to this sacrifice, we should know then in actual experience what religion is in its essence. And no one can realize what true religion is unless he puts into practise these three principles.

Let us then devote our lives to obedience, service, and sacrifice, and we will breathe, the spirit of a great helpfulness, and from our lives there will flow love, light, and life to our fellow men.

Miami, Fla.