The testing of spirits is no light matter, yet how often it is done amiss. The selfish desire puts on the mask of an angel of light, and nature, which does not love God, readily embraces the counterfeit. But if in any of us there is a love of the Law of the Lord, this is a work of the Holy Spirit. He who has begun this good work will carry it on until the day of Christ, and He will teach you to distinguish the voice of the Shepherd from the voice of the stranger. Everything that God does to His people is all love, sometimes the love is a little disguised, but the love is always there. If He caresses, it is love. If He chastens, it is love. If He smiles, it is love. If He frowns, it is love, for God is Love and to His people nothing else but Love, infinite, boundless, eternal, immeasurable, inexhaustible, unchangeable, perpetual Love.
Be not deceived into thinking the Lord is a hard master, reaping where He has not sown. The Cross is the window through which the love of God is best seen. He does not come to us and say, "You must believe that I love you although I do nothing for you to prove My love." He has given us abundant proofs of it. The blood of Jesus Christ, God's dear Son, cleanses us from all sin. This is the climax of God's love, that He has made us His own, and He will rest in His love. He says, "He will solace himself in his love." There is something very sweet in love. Now he rests because the battle is fought, the victory is won. Love fetched Him from His Throne in Heaven, love disrobed Him of His glories, love laid Him in Bethlehem’s manger, love led Him to Gethsemane, love took Him to the tree. And now, love's labor done, He rests in it, and He rests in you.
That spirit of love, power, and a sound mind which God has given you, it is no common gift. It is a spark of the eternal flame of God's love for you. Because we are God's sons, we are Jesus Christ's brothers, and He will rest in His love. Let not the world or the enemy snatch away what the Lord has planted. The love of the Word brings great peace of mind; it is a molding force so much to be desired. If you love God's Law, you will not be puffed up by deceitful riches or honors, nor will the stumbling blocks of others cast you down. You are God's pupil, taught from your youth, and what you have seen of His work, you should declare it. Tell Him, "My gracious Lord, I do love You. Teach me to love You more." Rehearse His deeds of Grace. Look your Savior in the face and prove yourself His friend by eating and drinking freely at His table of love.