If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
Interpretation
True love requires selflessness and empathy towards others.
In this quote, Amy Carmichael emphasizes the importance of unconditional love and compassion, referencing 'Calvary love' as the self-sacrificing love exemplified by Christ. She suggests that if one's joy comes from belittling others, they are far from understanding the depth of true and genuine love that values others above oneself.
In practice
In a discussion about kindness, this quote could remind listeners of the importance of treating others with respect.
If I am perturbed by the reproach and misunderstanding that may follow action taken for the good of souls for whom I must give account; if I cannot commit the matter and go on in peace and in silence, remembering Gethsemane and the cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
Thank God for the battle verses in the Bible. We go into the unknown every day of our lives, and especially every Monday morning, for the week is sure to be a battlefield, outwardly and inwardly in the unseen life of the spirit, which is often by far the sternest battlefield for souls. Either way, the Lord your God goes before you, He shall fight for you!
When an answer I did not expect comes to a prayer which I believed I truly meant, I shrink back from it; if the burden my Lord asks me to bear be not the burden of my heart's choice, and I fret inwardly and do not welcome His will, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I take offence easily; if I am content to continue in cold unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I am content to heal a hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace," where is no peace; if I forget the poignant word "Let love be without dissimulation" and blunt the edge of truth, speaking not right things but smooth things, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
If I belittle those whom I am called to serve, talk of their weak points in contrast perhaps with what I think of as my strong points; if I adopt a superior attitude, forgetting "Who made thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou hast not received?" then I know nothing of Calvary love.
Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise then you will discover the fullness of your life.
My heart went cold and only hollow rhythms resounded from within, but then he rose, brilliant as the moon in full and sank in the burrows of my keep, and all my armor, falling down, in a pile at my feet.
Her heart - like every heart, if only its fallen sides were cleared away - was an inexhaustible fountain of love: she loved everything she saw.
Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were.
I love thee with the passion put to use_x000D_ _x000D_ In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith. _x000D_ _x000D_ I love thee with a love I seemed to lose_x000D_ _x000D_ With my lost saints,-I love thee with the breath, _x000D_ _x000D_ Smiles, tears, of all my life!-and, if God choose, _x000D_ _x000D_ I shall but love thee better after death.
The honorary duty of a human being is to love.
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