A young woman, accused of several evil deeds, stood before a judge. At the end of her trial, the judge asked if she had a final word to say in her defense. The accused sat battling tears. It was evident that there was something on her mind. With stammering tongue, she was finally able to say, “Mother has not kissed me since I was twelve.”
There was nothing special the mother was accused of but something she had neglected to do. She had failed to manifest love for her daughter.
Love opens and protects. Many hearts are cold and frozen because they have never met love.
Christians can afford to manifest love because they live in and by the love of God every day. Christians can afford to give love, not because they have more inherent goodness, but because the Spirit of God has poured the love of God into their hearts. And this Spirit must find an outlet!
In this way God is honored, which indeed, was his purpose. As Christ received us, we are urged to receive others. Love does not seek its own gain. It always has something to give to others.
Hans Edvard Wisløff (1902—1969) was a Norwegian theologian and writer. He was also the Bishop of the Diocese of Sør-Hålogaland from 1959 until his death in 1969.
Wisløff, H.E., Quiet Moments on the Way Home. Fergus Falls, MN: Faith & Fellowship Press, 1993.