We are not to shut up our hearts in compassion, but
to help our brother in need. If we begin with doing kind and loving actions, we
shall end by feeling the same. Often when people come to me, saying that love
has completely died out of their life towards some other person, I have bidden
them go back again, and act with love, making the other one the centre and
object of helpful ministry; the invariable result is the refreshing and
rekindling of the hot geyser-springs of affection.
Do not wait to feel love, but begin at once to show it,
because it is right, and your duty, and as you step out in simple faith you
will find that God will make this to abound towards that also abound in grace
you may this good work. Love of such kind is self-giving and it is the gift of
the Spirit of God.
We know that we have been born from above as soon as
we find ourselves willing to put the interests of another before our own, not
because we have a natural affection or affinity for him, but because he and we
belong to God. If there is hatred or dislike in our hearts towards any, let us
beware! We must uproot it by generous action, or it will bring darkness into
our own lives (1Jo_2:9-11).
-F.B. Meyer
