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The Greatest Happiness
Basilea Schlink
Basilea Schlink (1904 - 2001). German religious leader, writer, and co-founder of the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary, born Klara Schlink in Darmstadt to a professor of mechanics. Raised Lutheran, she studied at Fröbelseminar in Kassel (1923) and Berlin’s Inner Mission girls’ school (1924), later earning a doctorate in psychology from Hamburg University in 1934 with a thesis on adolescent faith struggles. From 1933 to 1935, she led the Women’s Division of the German Student Christian Movement, resisting Nazi exclusion of Jewish Christians. In 1947, with Erika Madauss, she founded the Sisterhood in Darmstadt, taking the name Mother Basilea, growing it to 209 sisters across 11 global branches by 2001. Schlink authored over 60 books, including My All for Him, translated into 60 languages, and published tracts in 90. Her radio programs aired in 23 languages, emphasizing repentance and reconciliation, especially between Germans and Jews. Unmarried, she dedicated her life to prayer and ministry, shaping interdenominational Christian communities.
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In this sermon, Basilia Schlingk shares how one person learned to experience the love of Jesus. The person initially felt a deep love for Jesus when they first became a Christian, but over time, that love wore off. However, Jesus intervened in their life and brought about a change. Through the person's sacrifice and the loving care of her husband, a flame of love for Jesus grew in her heart, making her a magnet for others seeking spiritual wealth. The sermon emphasizes that loving Jesus means holding onto the greatest treasure of earth and heaven and offering oneself to Him. It also highlights how Jesus can comfort and refresh us with His love, even in the midst of suffering, and how learning to love Jesus starts with simply loving Him.
Sermon Transcription
God lives and works today. He is a loving God, and through Jesus Christ, He offers us all the wealth of His infinite love. But how can we experience His love? Today's meditation by Basilia Schlenk shares how one person learned this. How can I know if I really love Jesus? If we love Jesus, our hearts can never stop praising Him and proclaiming who He is, and what great wealth His love has brought into our lives. The most precious treasure in heaven and on earth is His love for us, and the privilege of loving Him in return. I felt that way when I first became a Christian, but it wore off. All of my problems and suffering seemed to be greater than ever. If we love Jesus, we're not taken out of this life and its needs and sufferings, but the love of Jesus can suddenly change everything. Jesus comforts and refreshes us with His love, especially in suffering, when human love can no longer comfort us. When Jesus comes with His loving presence, He can change every trouble, no matter how great it is, into peace and joy. I know you're right, but I just don't feel Jesus' presence in the midst of my sufferings and troubles. I don't have that kind of love for Jesus. How can I learn to really love Him? One day, when this question was causing me so much trouble, I read these words, The easiest way to learn how to love is to love. When we love a person, we don't spend a lot of time thinking out details about how to begin. We simply feel an urge to give Him presence, to sacrifice things that are precious to us, when we know that the other person would enjoy them. I know a mother who really wanted to love Jesus. This mother was sickly, and through her rheumatism, she was so physically hindered that she couldn't manage without the help of her only daughter. But one day, this daughter received the calling to follow Jesus in full-time Christian service. The daughter knew that she couldn't leave her mother, as long as there was no one else who could come and care for her. But the mother thought differently. Because she loved Jesus, she wanted to bring Him a sacrifice. So, it was the mother who urged her daughter to go into Jesus' ministry. She was firmly convinced that when she gave her child to Jesus, He Himself would take care of her needs. And that's exactly what happened. Jesus intervened. The mother recovered somewhat, and besides that, her husband began to take care of her in such a loving way that she didn't have to do without anything. Out of her sacrifice, such a flame of love for Jesus grew in her heart that the woman became like a magnet. Today, many people come to her with their questions and problems, because they sense that this sick woman has such a spiritual wealth that she can continually share with them her strength and happiness. Yes, loving Jesus means to have and to hold, for one's own the greatest treasure of earth and heaven. Loving Jesus means to lavish on Him the offering of oneself. Who makes us happy? Jesus, that's you. Therefore my heart rejoices in you. Jesus, O joy eternal. This program by Basilia Schlink has come to you from the little land of Canaan. If you would like a free leaflet by the same author, please write to God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099. That's God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099. God bless you.
The Greatest Happiness
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Basilea Schlink (1904 - 2001). German religious leader, writer, and co-founder of the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary, born Klara Schlink in Darmstadt to a professor of mechanics. Raised Lutheran, she studied at Fröbelseminar in Kassel (1923) and Berlin’s Inner Mission girls’ school (1924), later earning a doctorate in psychology from Hamburg University in 1934 with a thesis on adolescent faith struggles. From 1933 to 1935, she led the Women’s Division of the German Student Christian Movement, resisting Nazi exclusion of Jewish Christians. In 1947, with Erika Madauss, she founded the Sisterhood in Darmstadt, taking the name Mother Basilea, growing it to 209 sisters across 11 global branches by 2001. Schlink authored over 60 books, including My All for Him, translated into 60 languages, and published tracts in 90. Her radio programs aired in 23 languages, emphasizing repentance and reconciliation, especially between Germans and Jews. Unmarried, she dedicated her life to prayer and ministry, shaping interdenominational Christian communities.