Letters: A Schoolboy in London (1)
Continuing in God's love is achieved by keeping near the Cross and obeying His commandments.
Andrew Bonar writes a heartfelt letter to Walter, encouraging him to nurture his soul by recognizing God's presence in every aspect of life. He emphasizes the importance of remaining in God's love through obedience and keeping close to the Cross, which serves as a constant reminder of God's grace. Bonar reassures that even in busy times, such as studying or working, one can maintain a joyful heart by fulfilling their duties as acts of love towards God. He concludes with a prayer for peace, reminding Walter that God is always with him.
Text
GLASGOW, 20 INDIA STREET, 21st October 1873. MY DEAR WALTER, --I wonder how your soul prospers? You know we can go on busily with work, and all the more busily, when enjoying the sunshine round us--it makes all so cheerful. It is even thus with us in our souls when realising the presence of God in Christ, when we know that He is 'beholding us with a pleasant countenance' (Ps. 11:7, the metre version), whether we are sitting in the house, or walking by the way, or studying a lesson, or writing a letter. 'Continue ye in My love '(John xv. 9); 'Keep yourselves in the love of God' (Jude 21).
And if you say 'How am I to keep myself in His love?' the answer is, by keeping near the Cross, never suffering anything to intercept the view of that glorious, gracious, infinitely great manifestation of God's holy love to sinners. And again, it is said in John 15:10, 'If ye keep My commandments ye shall abide in My love.' The Holy Spirit will assuredly keep you in that sunshine if you are in the path of duty, though you may not be directly meditating on divine things.
When you are giving diligence to get on in study, and are very busy writing exercises or the like, this is 'keeping His commandments' if done as part of duty, and so you go on from hour to hour of your work with a light and happy heart, 'continuing in His love.' 'May the God of peace give you peace always by all means.' dia pantos en panti tropoi (2 Thess.3: 16). --Yours truly in the Lord, ANDREW A. BONAR.
Sermon Outline
- The Presence of God in Christ
- Realising God's presence in all aspects of life
- Keeping near the Cross for a continued view of God's love
- Abiding in God's love through obedience to His commandments
Key Quotes
“''Continue ye in My love'' (John xv. 9); ''Keep yourselves in the love of God'' (Jude 21).” — Andrew Bonar
“''If ye keep My commandments ye shall abide in My love.'' (John 15:10)” — Andrew Bonar
“''May the God of peace give you peace always by all means.'' dia pantos en panti tropoi (2 Thess.3: 16)” — Andrew Bonar
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to keep near the Cross and view God's holy love to sinners.
- Prioritize obedience to God's commandments in your daily life.
- Seek God's peace by diligently following the path of duty.