Article March 8, 1947 Issue

Are We Speaking the Language of Love?

CAROLINE B. WINGERT

In a world weary of bickering and hatred, it is good to know there is a language understandable to all—the language of divine Love. The purpose of divine Love is to bless. Throughout the Scriptures this purpose is expressed in many ways, not the least of which is in the use of parables. This mode of expression is especially suited to the illustration of spiritual facts, hence the frequent use of parables by writers in both the Old and the New Testament.

It was not uncommon for our Saviour to speak in parables, one of which we find in the thirteenth chapter of Matthew. Speaking from a ship to the multitudes who had gathered on the shore, Jesus told of the sower and the seed. He related to them in simple language that "some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up." Some, having fallen on stony places, for lack of good soil failed to take root and "withered away," while some were choked by the thorns among which they fell. Others, however, "fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirty fold." To the disciples' inquiry, "Why speakest thou unto them in parables?" Jesus answered in part, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."

Always prompted by Love, Jesus' comprehensive understanding of human nature led him to adapt his parables to the capacity of his hearers. In every instance he used homely and concise illustrations which would throw needed light on the subject under consideration. The Master's parabolic style might well engage our attention today, for right now, as in Jesus' time, humanity is hungering for divine guidance and assurance, hungering for tangible proof of God's love and protection. We must learn how to reach these seekers for Truth, and thus demonstrate the practical nature of true Christianity.

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