The Faith I Live By

February—The Three Dignitaries of Heaven

Our Loving Heavenly Father, February 1

The Wonderful Father

To us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:6. FLB 38.1

God is our tender, pitiful Father, and every believing child is the object of His special care.^{1Manuscript 153, 1903.} FLB 38.2

He [Jesus] pointed ... to the Ruler of the universe, under the new name, “Our Father.” ^{2Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 74.} FLB 38.3

This name, spoken to Him and of Him, is a sign of our love and trust toward Him, and a pledge of His regard and relationship to us. Spoken when asking His favor or blessing, it is as music in His ears.... FLB 38.4

He invites us to trust in Him with a trust deeper and stronger than that of a child in his earthly father. Parents love their children, but the love of God is larger, broader, deeper, than human love can possibly be. It is immeasurable.^{3Christ's Object Lessons, 142.} FLB 38.5

Such a conception of God was never given to the world by any religion but that of the Bible. Heathenism teaches men to look upon the Supreme Being as an object of fear rather than of love—a malign deity to be appeased by sacrifices, rather than a Father pouring upon His children the gift of His love.... FLB 38.6

It is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity.... To be kind to the unthankful and to the evil, to do good hoping for nothing again, is the insignia of the royalty of heaven, the sure token by which the children of the Highest reveal their high estate.^{4Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 74, 75.} FLB 38.7