Living In The Light

January 7, Love Without Parallel

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
—John 3:16 LL 13.1

Meekness of heart, hungering after righteousness, and mercy precedes purity of heart. Unless true mercy is cherished by us, purity will not be imputed unto us. Meekness and lowliness of mind, hungering after righteousness, manifesting mercy, not only towards the good but towards the erring, will bring the blessing promised to those who are pure in heart, for they shall see God. They shall behold the matchless loveliness of Christ, and by beholding will become changed into His divine image. Selfishness darkens the soul and shuts away the precious smiles of God. The Lord will impress the human heart with His image, and we shall have, as did Moses, a revelation of His character that will lead to the casting away of all unbelief, and to the cultivation of that perfect faith which keeps the soul in assurance and peace. The pure in heart shall see God. He will not be left to be tortured by the agony of fearing that he is left to the mercy of one whose heart he knows not. He will not contemplate the future with dread, or feel that he is without God and without hope in the world. LL 13.2

Those who cooperate with God will attain unto purity of heart, and their spiritual eyesight will become clear. The character of God will appear attractive and lovely and glorious. They will see God in nature. They will see Him in His providences, and in meekness will bow to His will, knowing that He understands what is best. Under trying circumstances they will not fret or complain, but be filled with the love of God. They will take up the Word of God, and hear His voice in the assuring promises, and their soul will become alive with God. They will behold His character which is His glory. They will behold His glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Standing beneath the cross of Calvary they see in the dying victim the heart of God opened to their view. . . . LL 13.3

In the death of Christ upon the cross is unfolded the goodness, mercy, pity, sympathy and love of God. Infinite love is without a parallel. The love of God fills all things, and even in sickness, and adversity and bereavement, Christians may see how large and full is the love of God.—Letter 42, 1892. LL 13.4

Further Reflection: How does Christ increase our capacity to experience God’s love? LL 13.5