SERVING IN THE LOVE OF GOD

SERVING IN THE LOVE OF GOD

It is an unspeakable favour to be allowed to be of any comfort or use to the people of God in this desert scene. You would find yourself happier were you more interested in the blessing and gain of others, than in anything relating peculiarly to yourself. The knowledge of the love of God gets stronger in our hearts as we act in it towards others, and thus “he that watereth shall be watered also himself” (Proverbs 11: 25). There is no one more unhappy than the one who makes himself the object of all his concern. As we have tasted of the love of God we must act in it, and as we do, we increase in our own enjoyment of it. Love makes another its object. Thus it is that God’s love has reached us, and as we act in it, we make others our object, not only those who attract us, but every one as they will receive it, and turn it to good account. The sun is an illustration of divine love, but it is only as it is accepted and used that it is really beneficial; yet there it shines, and shines for the benefit of others; it is not selfishly occupied. Seek from the Lord what you can do for others every day; and the ^[p. 248] more you do this, the less will what others do to you affect you except for blessing. Rise every day like a miniature sun, to shine on and serve every one in your circle, or within your reach; not seeking or watching what they will do or will not do to you, but setting yourself to be of use to every one according to the measure given you of God. You will soon find that you view every one in quite a new light, and that every one is more interesting to you, for “with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” (Matthew 7: 2).

The Lord lead you so to value His nurture that you may grow up like an olive tree, “planted in the house of the Lord, and so flourishing in the courts of our God”.