Let Love Be Your Highest Goal! by George Everard, 1882

“Let love be your highest goal!” 1 Corinthians 14:1

• Love is the most beautiful of all graces. It comes down from above, for love is one of the first fruits of the Spirit.  It is a plant of Paradise and a breath of celestial air.
• Love is a beam from the countenance of the God of love. It is the golden belt, the bond of peace, that knits all heavenly virtues in one.
• Love is full of humility, forbearance, and patience. It is slow to anger but quick to support and comfort those in trouble. It is full of tender consideration for the sorrows, trials, weaknesses, infirmities, feelings, of those around. Be clothed with love.

Now be honest about this point.

What is your religion worth?

Is it a sham and a pretense–or a reality?  Are you

• daily waging war against these three deadly sins–sloth, self-will, and selfishness?
• shining as a bright lamp in your own home?
• careful about common, everyday duties?

Are you mindful to curb the tongue, to watch against vain and evil thoughts, to be considerate of the feelings and needs of those around you?

Are you ever ready to seize an opportunity for doing good, to lighten the burden of another, or to help a fellow pilgrim on the way to Zion?

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you–so you must love one another.” John 13:34

(George Everard, “Bright and Fair! A Book for Young Ladies” 1882)