The Positive Qualities

We will not look any more at negatives, those evils from which Christian love is free, but rather contemplate the positive qualities: long-suffering, kindness, humility, seemly conduct, rejoicing in the truth with never failing patience and endurance. These are qualities which can always find full scope in human life. They do not need an elaborately set stage or the stimulus of great events. They are perhaps better revealed in the little experiences of ordinary life. They begin in the home, and if not found there it is improbable that they will be developed anywhere else. Our life is mainly made up of insignificant events, little vexations and trials of patience, little duties and causes of weariness. There are opportunities every day for the development of Christian character and the application of Christian discipline, just because every day brings its trials.

When we remember that the Lord Jesus placed love as a new commandment, clearly ranking it with those fundamental laws by which we shall be judged; requiring that we should not only abstain from injuring others, but that the reality of love should be in our hearts; when we reflect on this obligation, it is well also to remember the Apostle's definition. It harmonizes with the words of the Master. We must treat others as we should like to be treated, forgive from the heart all who trespass against us, return good for evil and seek no revenge. A faithful attempt to live by such rules will make for long suffering and kindness and all the other qualities mentioned by the Apostle.