"THE GREATEST OF THESE."

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 43, 30 November 1940, Page 4

"THE GREATEST OF THESE."

“What is Christian charity?” asked Mr T. E. Jessop in a broadcast tube, “It is more than being ‘nice’ with people, finding excuses for them, forgiving them and giving way to them. It is one or other or all of these sometimes, but not always. It is a set or posture of tlie whole mind, coming to fruition in decisive judgments, decisive convictions and decisive deeds. This may become evident if we substitute for the Latin word ‘charity’ its good English equivalent ‘love.’ Now take love at its best if it is made up of nothing but the gentler thoughts and feelings. Is a man in a gentle temper when a dear friend is being slandered, deceived or assaulted? Indeed, ought he to be? Surely his very love for his friend, if it is more than superficial, will move him first to indignation and then to action in protection of his friend. The greater his love, the more decisive his will and action will be. Even toward his friend he will not always be gentle, or will he explain away all his friend’s faults or give way to all his demands. Love just cannot be defined wholly in terms like these. It can be' defined only when you include its purpose. You love a person when you sincerely and steadily concern yourself with his welfare.-It isn t enough to desire it; you must will it.