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  THE TEST OF LOVE
  by Mary Wilder Tileston
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Summary: The test of love is not feeling, but obedience, and it's
through obedience that we show our willingness to follow God's will.

Topics: "Obedience To God", "Love And Faith"
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 8:6, 1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 119:60, Luke 17:14, John 14:15, Romans 6:16, Hebrews 5:9, James 1:22, 1 John 5:3

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DESCRIPTION
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Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's
commandments, highlighting that regardless of our feelings or enjoyment,
we are called to obey God's will for His sake. She encourages stepping
out in obedience, trusting that God will provide the necessary
disposition along the way. Tileston stresses that obedience is the test
of love towards God, not just a matter of emotions, and that striving
for good behavior leads to God granting good feelings as a gift.

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CONTENT
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Thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, to walk in His
ways.

DEUTERONOMY 8:6

And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

LUKE 17:14

GOD calls us to duty, and the only right answer is obedience. If it can
be glad and willing and loving obedience, happy are we; but, in any
case, whether we ourselves get enjoyment and blessing from the task or
not, the call must be obeyed. The will of God must be done for the sake
of God, not for the sake of ourselves. Undertake the duty, and step by
step God will provide the disposition. We can at least obey. Ideal
obedience includes the whole will and the whole heart. We cannot begin
with that. But we can begin with what we have. God calls. It is better
to obey blunderingly than not to obey at all.

GEORGE HODGES

The test of love is not feeling, but obedience.

WILLIAM BERNARD ULLATHORNE

If one fights for good behavior, God makes one a present of the good
feelings.

JULIANA H. EWING

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/mary-wilder-tileston/the-test-of-love/
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