Editorial August 24, 1992 Issue

Our Christian calling

William E. Moody

Christian life, if anything, has always been defined by a fundamental calling to love—to love as the Saviour himself loved. Jesus in fact told his followers that this Christly love was the characteristic that would specifically identify them to the world. "A new commandment I give unto you," he said, "That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Yet, learning from Jesus' example, the disciples discovered that to care for one another was, in many ways, only the start of it. They were also to love God with all the heart, soul, and mind. They were to love the whole of mankind "as thyself."

Thus the Christian's love, to be true to its calling, would necessarily be expressed without conditions attached, without expectation of personal gain or a return on the investment. It would have to be entirely generous; unimpressed with prestige or place; unhindered by class or race; unafraid for its outcome. The Christian's love would be pure, spontaneous, childlike. It would comfort and heal. It would be universal.

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