THE LOVE OF GOD

THE LOVE OF GOD

The great thing we require to know is, how we are loved. We use any one easily as we know we may. It is not my need, nor your power to relieve me which leads me ^[p. 258] to use you; it is the knowledge of your mind and feelings towards me. It is as I am acquainted with Christ’s heart and His interest in me that I feel I am rich in His love, and that I can use it; it is not only in using it that I feel the riches of it, though I do use it, but I feel I am rich in it whether I use it or not, because I know it! Nay, more, my own character and bearing become moulded and shaped by that acquaintance. I become the reflex of the intelligence which I have as to God’s thoughts about me....

God always seeks my benefit even when I do not recognise Him, and He never forgoes it for my momentary gratification. He knows that when I find out what His love is I must worship Him and admire His ways. When I know what God is — that He is love — I know that love rejoices in the opportunity to express itself, and this I count on as to everything. Love reaches down to my necessities, but it does not rest there, it brings me up to its own height. God could do nothing imperfect or unsuited to the object of His love. I seem to be daily more surprised at mercies than expecting them. Thank God, I do find daily that Christ is able

‘The heart and mind to fill.’ (174:2)

This does not lead me to underrate the Elims by the way, but, on the contrary, to appreciate them more. When you know the love you measure the gift by the love. If you do not know the love you measure the love by the gift. If I coursed with the sun I should find that it did not neglect my garden! May God’s hand be so around you that you may praise Him with joyful lips.