The Test of Love
The test of love is not feeling, but obedience, and it's through obedience that we show our willingness to follow God's will.
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.
Text
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
Sermon Outline
- The Call to Duty
- The Test of Love
- The Power of Obedience
- The Gift of Good Feelings
- God gives good feelings as a result of good behavior
- Blundering obedience is better than none
Key Quotes
“The test of love is not feeling, but obedience.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“If one fights for good behavior, God makes one a present of the good feelings.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“GOD calls us to duty, and the only right answer is obedience.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- I can start obeying God even if I don't feel like it, and He will provide me with the disposition and good feelings that come from following His will.
- My obedience to God is not for my own benefit, but for the sake of God Himself.
- I can begin with what I have, even if it's not ideal obedience, and God will work with me to help me grow in my faithfulness.