Truly, it is no small thing to give thanks for answered prayer, for the Lord has heard and has brought some movement and peace where once there was silence and running from His will. Times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord are precious gifts, and I rejoice with you that the Spirit has stirred agreement in even the smallest matters. For is it not written, “Love abounding,” even in the time when He was angry with the nation by reason of their great sins? Oh, love lamenting over our coldness, and yet love abiding, remaining constant to its object, notwithstanding all the provocations. He worked in us that first dew of love, and because of this grace-work He turns in love to us and remembers us still.
Your cry for a radical return to your First Love, Jesus Christ, echoes the very word I would press upon every heart that has grown chill. “I pray that God the Holy Spirit, through his renewings, may apply the word, not merely to your hearts, but to mine, that I may return to my first love, and that you may return with me.” Do you remember those happy days when the love of your espousals was fresh? “Oh, what love was that which I had to my Saviour the first time he forgave my sins. I remember it.” Go back continually to first principles, to the great foundation stone, the cross of Christ, and thou wilt be led to go back to thy first love. Neglect not communion with Christ, for dost thou not think that thou hast lost thy first love by neglecting that sacred fellowship? Return, return, O Shulamite! You did enjoy splendid days at first, in the love of your espousals; return to them; walk always in the light as God is in the light. He loves you with an everlasting love, and He therefore invites you to return.
As you seek wisdom toward outsiders, to walk circumspectly and redeem the time, remember that Christ Himself is the power of God and the wisdom of God. Get Christ first, put Him in the right place, and you will find Him to be the wisdom of God in your own experience. Wisdom is the right use of knowledge; and Christ’s gospel helps us, by teaching us the right use of it. When you feel weak and in need of prudence, behold the splendor of His love, for once you see the Glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus, you will need neither candle nor star, the Glory will be as seven suns to you.
Concerning the dear youngster, oh, how tender is your request! That you may hold your tongue, yet hold nothing against her, but put her in the Lord’s hands, is a mark of grace. Let your first love to Christ overflow, that you may “freely receive and freely dump love all over everyone within earshot.” Love is a grand word, even in its silver use among men and women, but love in its golden use with God in Heaven, what does it not mean? Remember, in order to love your fellow men, you must first come to know that Christ loves you. When your own soul is saved and bathed in His love, then you can show creative ways of love, learn her love language, and patiently watch for open doors for the word of your testimony. The chosen servants of the Lord are under special protection, for they shine in Christ’s right hand. This is where you need to be, for your office has its temptations and even its success has its perils. He will guard her from evil and hardness of heart, and from imposters and deceivers; avoid them as Scripture commands, for greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
And oh, what comfort that Christ Himself had a time to love, from the Everlasting Covenant to the cross to this present moment, He loves us freely, at a costly rate, and effectually. He loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood. This is holy love that condemns the sinner’s sin, yet in condemning, pardon seals! Because He lives and was dead, He is the same Christ in glory, with the same heart of love, and nothing shall sever you from it. May that love compel you to brave service, intenser love, burning zeal, and more of the Christlike. Is it not your time to love? Think what opportunities you have down here of showing your love to your Lord and Savior! As you give thanks and make your requests known, the peace of God, which passes all comprehension, shall guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. He will never cast out those who come to Him. To His name be glory, for He is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love.