We should get into the way of appearing lively in religion, more by being lively in the service of God and our generation than by the liveliness and forwardness of our tongues, and making a business of proclaiming on the house tops with our mouths the holy and eminent acts and exercises of our own hearts. Christians that are intimate friends would talk together of their experiences and comforts in a manner better becoming Christian humility and modesty, and more to each other's profit: their tongues not running before, but rather going behind their hands and feet, after the prudent example of the blessed apostle, 2 Cor. xii. 6. Many occasions of spiritual pride would thus be cut off, and so a great door shut against the devil. A great many of the main stumbling-blocks against experimental and powerful religion would be removed, and religion would be declared and manifested in such a way that, instead of hardening spectators, and exceedingly promoting infidelity and atheism, it would, above all things, tend to convince men that there is a reality in religion, and greatly awaken them, and win them, by convincing their consciences of the importance and excellency of religion. Thus the light of professors would so shine before men, that others, seeing their good works, would glorify their Father which is in heaven. .Jonathan Edwards
About This Quote
The second Commandment commands us to love God and our neighbor. While the first commandment demands that we love God, this second commandment asks that we love our neighbor as ourselves. The word love is defined as “a strong feeling of deep affection and personal attachment”, or “to give oneself completely to another or others; to be devoted to the other as a lover is devoted to his beloved”, or “to like greatly.” This is nothing but what we call charity. The Bible tells us that charity begins at home (1 Tim. 5:8).
If we can show our love for God and for our neighbor by loving and caring for each other at home, then we will be better able to show our love for God and for our neighbor by loving and caring for those in need. And that love towards all people will then spill over into the world and we will begin to see a great change take place in the world around us.
Source: The Religious Affections
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