I have been reading If by missionary Amy Carmichael. I cannot fully explain how convicting this book has been. Each paragraph, only one to two sentences each, has been packed with truth. After reading each one, I come to the conclusion that I really don’t know anything about Calvary love. I am full of self and selfish love, not sacrificial, unconditional love. I want to love only if I am loved back – I wasn’t doing this consciously, but upon further examination of my heart, I see that I was, in fact, doing the opposite of what I meant to do. 


This brings to mind the statements that the Apostle Paul makes in Romans 7:15-17 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I often allow sin to rule my life, not love.


Today’s reading was this:
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 I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting “who mad thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou hast not received?” then I know nothing of Calvary love.


When I read about my Lord’s time on Earth, I see that He never belittled anyone. He spoke with authority, but He never criticized others to make Himself bigger. In fact, it seems rather flippant to even think that He would, yet, I think nothing of doing that myself! I want to be more like Christ, and I cannot do this by being critical of others.


Dear Lord, help me to guard my tongue. Rid me of the awful pride that seeps into my heart when I’m not looking and takes deep root. Help me to remember what I rotten sinner I am, and that you stooped down from Glory to save me. Help me to point others to You by showing them Your love.