"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 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 can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace," where there is no peace; if I forget the poignant word "Let love be without dissimulation" and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I feel injured when another lays to my charge things that I know not, forgetting that my sinless Savior trod this path to the end, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I crave hungrily to be used to show the way of liberty to a soul in bondage, instead of caring only that it be delivered; if I nurse my disappointment when I fail, instead of asking that to another the word of release may be given, then I know nothing of Calvary love."
These are just a few lines of this magnificent poem written by Amy Carmichael. Very convicting, and yet encouraging as well. Although I fall way short of Calvary's love, it's Calvary's love, Jesus Christ Himself who loves me in spite of me.
What a awesome Savior and God!
2 comments:
I think I get the general feel of this, but I wouldn't go that far with the specific words. I suggest that she is waxing poetic when she concludes that "if (fill in the blank) then she knows nothing of Calvary's love." I think of heroes of the faith that were consumed with a holy zeal, and there is a righteous indignation that appears to rebuke without a pang. Sometimes love is tough, and not quite so sentimental.
"Sometimes love is tough, and not quite so sentimental."
I have a feeling she wouldn't disagree with you Craver, so much. Maybe I'm wrong, and she had a more passive personality.
We either lean toward justice, or mercy. We are unbalanced, and we need one another.
Jesus had perfect balance in justice and mercy; righteousness and compassion; anger and kindness.
This was a poem. She wrote a lot of poems, I believe.
Jesus' love is perfect love. Think of perfect love, and then think of our love.
My love is a far cry from my Savior's love, and yet He charges me to love as He loves.
Bottom line is that we never will love God with all our hearts, and love our enemies, and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Our love is lacking, and yet by faith, and in His Spirit we can love in the manner of Christ.
I think this poem of Amy's is excellent, and she puts forth perfection, as the Scriptures do. And she surely is putting her personality in there, and it will have flaws, as you have shown.
But over all I was very blessed by this saint's thoughts of Calvary's love.
Thanks for stopping by Craver.
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