The Test of Love by Religious Telescope

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 27, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, No. 25.

The Test of Love

By Religious Telescope

THE supreme test of love is applied when it is wounded — lies bleeding in the house of its friends in loving loyalty to its highest aim and obligation, and in tender ministry to those whose cruelty has pierced it through and through, and left it bleeding and unbound! To love and suffer thus at the same time is the supreme test of human affection. At this point the danger is that the wounded feelings may change to those of a hateful nature; and between the two there is only a step, and a short one at that. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, while the wounds are jagged and sore, Satan presses the sensitive nerve of the soul with the thumb of our friend's cruelty, and makes that the basis of his instigation to prejudice and hate. How easy to fall a prey to his passion and spite! But how sublime and Godlike it is to suffer in submission, making our painful need a potent appeal to Heaven for more love and greater patience, and by God's help and in the spirit of His dear Son, kiss the hand that smites us, and pray for those who despitefully use us, even tho it be repeated again and again. If those whom we love see fit to hate and hurt us, and even prolong the painful excoriation, giving no word of explanation or sign of recognition, must our love break down at the point of supreme privilege and need, or limp away in a fit of the sulks? Never! Our love must assert itself when there is no return of mutual fellowship, even when it is spurned and trampled upon. If we only love those who love us we have an easy job. The world can do that fairly well. Love all the time and everybody, and especially while you suffer. That is the supreme test.—Religious Telescope.