Monday, August 4, 2008
As Pastor Simon shared with us today in closing of our topic,
A Christian Perspective & Management of PR in Church
If
If I have not compassion on my fellowservant,
even as my Lord had pity on me,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can easily discuss the shortcomings and the sins of any;
if I can speak in a casual way even of a child's misdoings,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another;
if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought,
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 am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection,
or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand,"
or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness;
if I put my own good name before the other's highest good,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve around myself,
if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have "a heart at leisure from itself,"
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I cannot in honest happiness take the second place (or twentieth);
if I cannot take the first without making a fuss about my unworthiness,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I do not give a friend "the benefit of the doubt,"
but put the worst construction instead of the best on what is said or done,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I take offense easily; if I am content to continue in a cool unfriendliness,
though friendship be possible,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water,
however suddenly jolted.
If I say, "Yes, I forgive, but I cannot forget," as though the God,
who twice a day washes all the sands on all the shores of all the world,
could not wash such memories from my mind,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If souls can suffer alongside, and I hardly know it,
because the spirit of discernment is not in me,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If the praise of man elates me and his blame depresses me;
if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself;
if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If in the fellowship of service I seek to attach a friend to myself,
so that others are caused to feel unwanted;
if my friendships do not draw others deeper in, but are ungenerous,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
That which I know not, teach Thou me, O Lord, my God.
From If by Amy Carmichael.
Christian Literature Crusade © 1991
Amy was a missionary in Southern India
Let us love, for love covers a multitude of sins. God be with u!