Yesterday, Pastor Kevin Williams, who blogs at the Puritan Fellowship posted a quote by Charles Spurgeon on the bride of Christ.
It is soothing salve to any saint with a troubled conscience.
“Christ Jesus has no quarrel with his spouse. She often wanders from him, and grieves his Holy Spirit, but he does not allow her faults to affect his love. He sometimes chides, but it is always in the tenderest manner, with the kindest intentions: it is “my love” even then. There is no remembrance of our follies, he does not cherish ill thoughts of us, but he pardons and loves as well after the offence as before it. It is well for us it is so, for if Jesus were as mindful of injuries as we are, how could he commune with us? Many a time a believer will put himself out of humour with the Lord for some slight turn in providence, but our precious Husband knows our silly hearts too well to take any offence at our ill manners.”
– C. H. Spurgeon
You can read the whole thing here.
Portrait by Robert Bucknell, whose wife Diane, blogs at Theology for Girls. Robert’s oil painting was featured on the jacket cover of Spurgeon’s commentary on Matthew published by Banner of Truth, 2010. Prints available through Bucknell Arts at www.robertbucknell.com.
That’s great. I’m a fan of Kevin’s page also. Funny, I just re-stocked that book on the shelf at the bookstore at my seminary the other day. I was like, “Hey, I know that picture!”
Great stuff, as usual, Christina!
I love that our Lord forgives our every offenses and sins, but we should be mindful of them and not purposely commit offenses and sins just because we know that He is all forgiving.
I love that our God is always loving and forgiving towards us. He forgives our sins and thows them at the bottom of the ocean and remembers them no more, but we have to be careful not to keep committing sins and ofenses just because He forgives us because there may come a time where He might say away from me I do not know you.
Christina, Thank you for directing us to Puritan Fellowship – I’ve never heard of it, and it is located about 30 miles from Robert’s cousins! We will have to tell them about it.
Wonderful quote from “Uncle Charley” as we call him around our house. Thank you so much for your kindess in displaying Robert’s painting and mentioning my blog. You are just always so sweet!
Wishing you and Steven a blessed weekend.
Soothing salve indeed. The more I learn of His love, the more…. inadequate my response feels. This “silly heart” takes great comfort in His lovingkindness. Bless you Christina.
“…if Jesus were as mindful of injuries as we are, how could he commune with us?” He doesn’t need to take offense. He has nothing to excuse, nothing to improve upon, nothing to prove! He is our perfect husband!! Great devotional!! Love and blessings, my fellow Spurgeon fan!
Grace, grace, such wonderful grace!!
Love and hugs to you, Christina!
His love for us is amazing! You are right, this is soothing indeed. Ah, sweet grace! There is nothing sweeter!
Great quote! This is so encouraging especially in those less than sanctified moments of our lives.