THE FATHER HIMSELF LOVETH YOU

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 31

 

John 16:27

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have 

loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

 
Loveth who?
 
All who love Jesus.
 
And who are they?
 
Such as believe his word—rely on his merits—trust in his name—observe his ordinances—keep his precepts—and find him to be precious to their souls.
 
All such are beloved of the Father.
 
This love includes his infinite good will toward them, and his felight in them.
 
It is an infinite willingness to do good, and to bestow blessings upon them.
 
This appeared first in a purpose—then in a promise—and at length in the glorious work of his beloved Son.
 
His love is eternal, immutable, and free.
 
The proofs of it are the covenant—the gift of his Son—the bestowment of the Holy Spirit—the bible—all gospel privileges and spiritual blessings—with the kingdom of glory at last.
 
Does the Father himself love us? then let us believe the fact, especially when we go to prayer.
 
Then let us love him in return and be willing to do and suffer all his will.
 
Let us live above the world, and testify unto it, that the works thereof are evil.
 
Let us seek the welfare of all he loves.
 
Let us pity, plead for, and with sinners, encouraging those seeking the Lord, by assuring them of his love.

 

Let every tongue the Father own,

Who when we all were lost,

To seek and save us sent the Son,

And gives the Holy Ghost.

 

James Smith