Purity And Love

Romans 6:22 says, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.”

My Dear Comrades, Since writing my last letter, I have been visiting Salvationists in Switzerland, Italy, and France.

Everywhere I go, I see great opportunities for The Salvation Army. Everywhere, I meet dear comrades who long to make the most of these opportunities. And everywhere, it seems to me that what is needed is more red-hot religion to make them equal to the great work before them.

But is it not the same in Great Britain, America, Australia, and every other place where these letters will be read? Is it not the same in your Corps—and even in your own life? As I have explained before, by red-hot religion I mean hearts burning with love for God, for comrades, for those who are lost, for noble work, and for all that is good, both on earth and in heaven. I mean hearts filled with a holy love—a love that compels us to labour and sacrifice for the good of others. A love that makes us servants to those we care about, and gives us power over our own selfish desires. This love reflects the love of our Master: “Not that we loved God, but that He loved us.”

Look at a mother’s love—does it not lead her to give up time, comfort, and even her health for her child? Look at a patriot’s love—does it not lead him to leave behind home and family, and even face death for his country? In the same way, this burning love in a Salvationist will lead them to lay down their time, strength, possessions—everything—at the feet of their Lord, and use it all to bless and save others. It is this spirit of love that creates this holy fire within. Just as the devil stirs up and feeds the fires of pride, selfishness, lust, and other evils—leading people toward destruction—so the intense love produced by the Holy Spirit drives a believer to watch, pray, labour, speak, and even suffer, without concern for the cost, if only they may accomplish the purpose set before them.

But the Holy Spirit dwells in this full power only in hearts that have been cleansed from sin. So, if you truly desire to spend your life blessing others, saving souls, and serving your Lord, you must have a pure heart.

A pure heart will make you a blessing to others—not only because of what you do, but because of who you are. People may be drawn to Christ through your words, your songs, your prayers, and your appeals. But beyond that, if you possess this inner purity, they will also be drawn by what they see in you. Your very life will point them toward God, holiness, and heaven.

As we have seen, a pure heart produces a good life. And goodness is attractive. People are drawn to it and respect it for what it is. Even those who are caught in sin cannot help but admire what is holy. And if this is true for those far from God, how much more will it be true for those who already desire holiness? To such people, your life, if shaped by pure love, will be a constant source of encouragement, strength, and comfort.

This is what we call influence. It is always at work. It is like the fragrance of a rose. Place a flower in a room, and it will quietly fill the space with its scent. You do not need to move it or do anything with it—it simply spreads its fragrance. So it is with the person who has a pure heart and lives in that reality. A holy influence flows from them constantly—not only through what they say and do, but through who they are.

You feel the sincerity and depth of their spirit. When they speak, pray, or reach out to others, something of that inner life comes through. You sense it when you meet them, when you sit with them, or even when you simply look at them. You see it in times of suffering, at the end of life, and even long after they are gone. Years later, even the mention of their name can stir your heart, strengthen your faith, and deepen your love for what is good and true.

Why is this so, my comrades? Because you knew they were holy. You saw their selfless life. You believed they had a pure heart. There is yet another reason to seek a pure heart—it gives you a sure and living hope. This hope is a precious gift. To know that, no matter what troubles come, there is a future filled with peace, joy, and victory—that is something deeply valuable. A person who truly loves God and walks in obedience has a quiet confidence that God will care for them through every trial.

But someone who knows there is still pride, bitterness, or worldliness hidden within, and who neglects their responsibilities, cannot have that same confidence. They may hope for a good future, but it will be uncertain and fragile.

But when a person has both the witness of the Spirit and a consistent life to confirm that inward purity, they can look ahead with confidence, confident of victory, of deliverance, and ultimately of eternal life. Do these things attract you, my comrades? Let me remind you of them. They are truly compelling.

There is the holy life that flows from a pure heart—just as pure water flows from a clean spring.

There is the peace of God, which surpasses understanding. Any remaining sin brings unrest, but purity and peace always go together. There is the presence of God within—a living fire of holy love that purifies motives and transforms the heart. There is a life of usefulness and influence that continues to speak long after you are gone. And there is the bright hope of eternity—the promise of glory and reward to come.

All of this, my comrades, depends on one thing: a pure heart. These are only some of the countless blessings that flow from this source of purity and power. Do you have this treasure? If you do, give thanks to God. If you do not, seek it now.