The Test of Love

In the Bible we read “But God commendeth [sent, entrusted] His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”* (Romans 5:8)

Christ Jesus died that we might be saved from our sins and live lives to please God, the great King. God loves us and He knew that we needed a Savior and Friend, so He sent Jesus. All who are sorry for their sin (because it displeases God very much, since He is so good and pure) can be made clean and pure, if they believe Jesus died for them and give themselves to serve and love Him.

Like Daniel and Rosie are learning, every one faces things that are hard—some are big, some are small. When we are saved, we should go to Jesus in every time of need: when we are afraid, or disappointed, or discouraged, or sad. Jesus is our Friend and will help us climb those hard rocks if we will ask Him. Jesus wants to be our Helper, that is one way God shows His love.

Hard places are like tests. The Lord wants to see how much we love Him and want to obey Him. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”* (John 14:15) If we love Him, He asks us to obey cheerfully, to do good to those that aren’t kind to us, to give up our own way to please others. These things are often hard, but Jesus has promised to help us. He lets hard things come to see if we will go to Him for help. How disappointed He is if we complain and sulk when things don’t go our way! But how happy Jesus is when we come to a hard place and run to Him for help right away!

So when you come to a rock on your mountain, remember it is a test. God has a treasure for you if you will just press on for it. That special treasure is called a blessing—and God planned for everyone to have it. Pray to God and ask for help when the hard place seems too big. God will never give you a rock too big to climb (1 Corinthians 10:13).