John 13, 1

Above:  Part of the Original Text

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Despite all their inconsistencies, Jesus “loved them unto the end.”  Men glory in His love.  Notice some of its characteristics.

I.

Its intensity–“moved with compassion.”  His heart was deeply stirred–boundless love.

II.

Its continuousness.  It never wore off.  He never got used to physical sufferings, never forgot man’s spiritual needs.  He was constantly relieving both.

III.

Its personalness.  No one was ever lost in the crowd.  He saw and loved each one.  How minute is his care for us.  Not one is overlooked.

IV.  

It was constructive.  It built up character, developed the powers of believers to a high degree.  He sees the possibilities in each one of us and seeks to expand and develop them.  This opens up a great future for us.

V.

We should strive to be like Him, to love men like He did and seek to help them to be their best selves, to think of men in terms of their possibilities under grace.  This will also enrich and sweeten their lives.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARRETT