Radiant Religion

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For It Is Counsel for Happiness, November 21

The testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. Psalm 119:24. RRe 327.1

The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all intelligent beings depends upon their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness. God desires from all His creatures the service of love—a service that springs from an appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in a forced obedience; and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary service.—Patriarchs and Prophets, 34. RRe 327.2

God’s great object in the working out of His providences is to try men, to give them opportunity to develop character. Thus He proves whether they are obedient or disobedient to His commands. Good works do not purchase the love of God; but they reveal that we possess that love. If we surrender the will to God, we shall not work in order to earn God’s love His love as a free gift will be received into the soul, and from love to Him we shall delight to obey His commandments.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 283. RRe 327.3