More Timely Words

The following words,
written by Amy Carmichael,
are a challenge
and a comfort to my soul
as I face an unpleasant situation
in my life just now.
I always try to learn something
from everything,
and Amy's words
keep my spirit in check
and help me stay free
from a cynical attitude
and a hardened heart.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If
I slip into the place that can be filled
by Christ alone,
making myself the first necessity to
a soul instead of leading it to
fasten upon Him,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If
I fear to hold another to the highest
goal because it is so much easier
to avoid doing so,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If
I am afraid to speak the truth,
lest I lose affection,
or lest the one concerned should
say, "You do not understand,"
or because I fear to lose my
reputation for kindness;
if I put my own good name before
the other's highest good,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If
I cannot bear to be like the father
who did not soften the rigors of
the far country;
if, in this sense, I refuse to allow the
law of God (the way of the
transgressors is hard) to take effect,
because of the distress it causes me
to see that law in operation,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If
I deal with wrong for any other
reason than that implied in the words,
"From His right hand went a fiery
law for them. Yea, He loved the people";
if I can rebuke without a pang,
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If
I cannot keep silence over a disappointing soul
(unless for the sake of that soul's good
or for the good of others it be necessary
to speak),
then I know nothing of Calvary love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I will stop there.

I am quite certain
that I have much to learn
of Calvary's love.

Please teach me, dear Jesus,
and please be merciful as You teach me.