MANY of you, no doubt, like the little girl in the picture, have pet dogs which you love very much. You like to play with them, feed them, and caress them.
Here the dog looks perfectly contented and happy, folded so lovingly in the little girl’s arms. While the child’s bright, kind face tells how fondly she is attached to her affectionate pet.
It is a good thing to have this gentle love for the dear little creatures God has given us, and it pleases Him to heavens treat them kindly. But can you tell me whose love is far greater than any you have for your pets, or even for your parents and friends? Many of you answer very quickly for you have heard again and again the old, sweet story of God’s love.
Can you, tell who it was that God loved? “Yes,” you say, “He loved sinners.” A n d how much did He love them? So much, dear children that He gave His only Son to die for them. Jesus was in heaven with God the Father, but He left His home on high, a home of glory and happiness—and came a little babe into this world of sin and sorrow.
As he grew older He was always obedient to His parents. He never did anything wrong, but always that which was pleasing to God.
When He became a man, He went about doing good—helping those who were in trouble of any kind.
But wicked men nailed Him to a cross and there God laid our sins upon Him. All this, dear reader, that you and I might not have to suffer the punishment we deserved for our many sins. Was not this wonderful love!
Now He wants us to love Him, who first loved us. Do not turn away from such love. Believe on this loving Saviour, who wants you to come to Him and have all your sins forgiven. “The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7).
ML 05/17/1903