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Love’s Fragrant Outreach, August 13
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward
another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.
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Thessalonians 3:12
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God would have His children realize that in order to glorify Him their
affection must be given to those who most need it.... No selfishness, in
look, word, or deed, is to be manifested when dealing with those of like
precious faith, ... whether they be high or low, rich or poor. The love that
gives kind words to only a few, while others are treated with coldness
and indifference, is not love, but selfishness. It will not in any way work
for the good of souls or the glory of God. Our love ... is not to be sealed
up for special ones, to the neglect of others. Break the bottle, and the
fragrance will fill the house.
Those who gather the sunshine of Christ’s righteousness, and do not
let it shine forth into the lives of others, will soon lose the sweet, bright
rays of heavenly grace, selfishly reserved to be lavished only upon a few.
Those who possess much affection are responsible to God to bestow this
affection ... on all who need help....
To love as Christ loved means to manifest unselfishness at all times
and in all places, by kind words and pleasant looks. These cost those who
give them nothing, but they leave behind a fragrance that surrounds the
soul. Their effect can never be estimated. Not only are they a blessing
to the receiver, but to the giver; for they react upon him. Genuine love is
a precious attribute of heavenly origin, which increases in fragrance in
proportion as it is dispensed to others....
The souls of those who love Jesus will be surrounded with a pure,
fragrant atmosphere. There are those who hide their soul hunger. These
will be greatly helped by a tender word or a kind remembrance. The
heavenly gifts, freely and richly bestowed by God, are in turn to be freely
bestowed by us upon all who come within the sphere of our influence.
Thus we reveal a love that is heaven-born, and which will increase as it is
freely used in blessing others. Thus we glorify God.
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