Do I love you?
For the Soldier of The Cross, what is love? Do I feel something? Am I compelled to act on your behalf? Must I be obvious?
Many years ago I had some time with Maynard, who had worked for many years at the Pacific Garden Mission on Skid Row in
Maynard loved to tell about the workers the Lord sent to deal with the those who came in for help. He told of a young man who came in to help with the ministry. The fellow wore an expensive suit, but it was obvious that he wanted to be useful. When Maynard asked the young man to kneel with him and pray for one of the down-and -outers, the fellow looked at the needy resident. The young man's glance fell on the huge dandruff flakes on the man's shoulders.
The well-meaning volunteer blanched when he saw the dandruff, and of course the resident caught it immediately. The needy man rose and bolted.
Soldier, the test is, are you able to love the unlovely?
This is an issue that has plagued many a Christian Servant. Because, it is presumed that love is a feeling.
Love is about obedience. Availability. Humility.