IF If I have not compassion on my fellowservant, even as my Lord had pity on me, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; If I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting "Who made thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou hast not received?" then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I can easily discuss the shortcomings and the sins of any; If I can speak in a casual way even of a child's misdoings, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I find myself half-carelessly taking lapses for granted. "Oh, that's what they always do." "Oh, of course she talks like that, he acts like that," then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; If I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my worried self when troublesome things occur. then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I know little of His pitifulness (the Lord turned and looked upon Peter), if I know little of His courage of hopefulness for the truly humble and penitent (He saith unto him, "Feed My lambs"), than I know nothing of Calvary love. If I deal with wrong for any other reason than that implied in the words, "From His right hand went a fiery law for them. Yea, He loved the people"; if I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If in dealing with one who does not respond, I weary of the strain, and slip from under the burden, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I cannot bear to be like the father who did not soften the rigors of the far country; if, in this sense, I refuse to allow the law of God (the way of transgressors is hard) to take effect, because of the distress it causes me to see that law in operation. then I know nothing of Calvary love. |
