LOVE IS ONLY KNOWN IN NEARNESS

LOVE IS ONLY KNOWN IN NEARNESS

I quite agree that you are the subject of the Holy Spirit’s presence, but if you keep yourself in the love of God, it is still His love, and you are the object of it, you enjoy what He is. Many do not understand love at all but as it gives. My illustration is, that the baby in arms is fonder of the nurse than the mother, because of all it receives from the former, but when the same baby grows up the mother is loved more than the nurse, because it finds out the love that is in the mother’s heart. I believe many would have no idea of the love of God if there were no present mercies or gifts, and I am sure that many, if they were asked — ‘How do you know God loves you?’ would refer you to His gifts. I quite admit that He commended His love to us while we were yet sinners, but I never can know love until I am near the One who has it for me, and then I know it by the confidence which He can inspire me with, like John lying on Jesus’ breast. When I know God’s love I know that He cannot view me less than as Christ is before Him, even though I am in this world.