reassurance
that the good is really dear to me? But
then, if it is, nobody has to tell me
the reason. I know, or at any rate I have
a working principle that fills me with
satisfaction and happiness.
Like all great principles it works both ways. Serving gives birth to loving; and loving to serving. It sets up what we call a benign circle--blessing piled upon blessing, good reacting in good, joy reacting in happiness.
"Bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you." Why? Because it will make me love them. But why should I love them? Because that is the commandment of the God whom I want to learn to love.
Love is its own reward. Nobody who does not love knows anything about love. But we do not have to be ignorant--the way is plain. The way to the greatest joy that ever was conceived--loving the God who is love and who so constituted human hearts that they take fire with happiness at the only true communion with Him that is possible--the love of the heart for divine love.
51
