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The Creative Sustaining Power

In building a religion one question appears and reappears: "Why is man on earth?"

Stripped of all incidentals, the answer may be simply stated: We are on earth because of God's love for us, His spirit children.

Love is the impelling motive in God's relationship to man. It is the force or power which gives life to the plan of salvation. "God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." 1

Could we see more clearly, perhaps we should discern that love is the creative and supporting power of the universe, to its uttermost bounds. Without love, there would be universal quiet, silence, and extinction.

Love alone explains the gospel. For love of us, Christ hung upon the cross. Love, with its children, goodwill, kindness, charity, and mercy, make life on earth tolerable, and it will redeem us at last. Love is the beginning and end of God's labor for man. Whatever is of God is founded in love. It is this principle that supports every doctrine and activity of the restored gospel.

We need but read human history in the light of this principle to learn that human affairs are worthy only in the proportion that goodwill, or love of others, is imbedded in them. That should be the first consideration of ruler or people, in weighing the merits of any proposed action.

The supreme importance of love makes it desirable, yes necessary, to be able to recognize it. The full and essential nature of love we may not understand. But there are tests by which it may be recognized.

Love is always founded in truth. It is organically a part of truth. Lies and deceit, or any other violation of the moral law, are proofs of love's absence. Love perishes in the midst of untruth. That is a simple test of the presence of love. Thus, the lover who falsifies to his loved one, or offers her any act contrary to truth, does not really love her.

Further, love does not offend or hurt or injure the loved one. By that test any human venture, past and present, may be measured for its real value. Cruelty is as absent from love as north is from south, as truth is from untruth. Let the lover and the loved one heed this test.

But, love is a positive active force. It helps the loved one. If there is need, love tries to supply it. If there is weakness, love supplants it with strength. The loved one is upheld; she may lean safely upon the shoulder of true love. This applies to any human venture or relationship. Love that does not help is a faked or transient love.

Good as these tests are, there is a greater one. True love sacrifices for the loved one. That is, love gives of itself to its object. That is the final test. Christ gave of Himself, gave His life, for us, and thereby proclaimed the reality of his love for his mortal brethren and sisters. The mother gives of her own flesh and blood, and jeopardizes her very life, for her child. In family relationships there must be mutual sacrifices among husband, wife, and children, else true love is not there. To give to the loved one that which we would keep for ourselves, is the truest measure of our love. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." 2