If...

If I have not compassion on my fellow servant,
even as my Lord had pity on me,
then I know nothing of Calvary Love.

If a sudden jar can cause me to speak
an impatient, unloving word,
then I know nothing of Calvary Love.

If I covet any place on earth but
the dust at the foot of the Cross,
then I know nothing of Calvary Love.

These are all from Amy Carmichael's books "If". A small book, but life changing.

This book is not for the faint of heart; it is conscience-pricking and spirit-piercing. How convicting each sentence is, for I have fallen prey to each one of them!

These three already mentioned "if"s are my favorite ones because they remind me of what my Lord has done for me, how I am now supposed to act, and how I can grow more in love with my Savior.

#1- Compassion: Jesus laid down His life that we might gain eternity! His compassion on us- while we were still sinners and lived a life that scorned Him (Rom. 5:8)- that compassion He had for the most unlovely, for me, how can I not do the same?

#2- Patience: Now, being imitators of Christ, we are called to put away worldly things. Rivalries, dissentions, divisions (Gal. 5:20), anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech (Col. 3:8), but instead be kindhearted to one another, tenderhearted (Eph. 4:31), letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (Col. 3:14). Am I able to demonstrate God's love through my patience with others?

#3- Coveteousness: I struggle with this one daily. Do you know where I would rather be than with God, sometimes? In my bed. Yup. So many days I want to sleep in, go to bed early, or just catch a few more winks instead of spend that time reading the beautiful letter that He has written for me! The letter that is fresh and new each day! What do I covet more- time spent for myself or for my Savior?

Read the book. I dare you.