What is a child, but a piece of the parent enrapt up in another skin? And yet our dearest children are but as strangers to us, in comparison of the unspeakable dearness that was between the Father and Christ. Now, that he should ever be content to part with a Son, and such an only One, is such a manifestation of love, as will be admired to all eternity.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the profound bond between a parent and a child and compares it to the divine love expressed between God and Christ.
John Flavel conveys the deep emotional ties between parents and children, describing a child as an extension of the parent, yet often feeling like a stranger in their individuality. He emphasizes the immense love God showcases by sacrificing His only Son, suggesting that this act of love is unparalleled and will be revered eternally.
In practice
During a sermon about divine love and sacrifice, one might quote this to illustrate the depth of parental love.
All the tears of a penitent sinner, should he shed as many as there have fallen drops of rain, since the creation, to this day, cannot wash away one sin. The everLasting burnings in hell, cannot purify the flaming conscience, from the least sin.
All the dark, intricate, puzzling providences at which we were sometimes so offended...we shall [one day] see to be to us, as the difficult passage through the wilderness was to Israel, "the right way to the city of habitation".
Providence is like a curious piece of tapestry made of a thousand shreds, which, single, appear useless, but put together, they represent a beautiful history to the eye.
The carnal person fears man, not God. The strong Christian fears God, not man. The weak Christian fears man too much, and God too little.
Whatsoever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it; so that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts is to set our hearts inordinately upon them.
It is the duty of the saints, especially in times of straights, to reflect upon the performances of Providence for them in all the states and through all the stages of their lives.
Love somebody. Just one person. And then spread that to two. And as many as you can. You'll see the difference it makes.
Love is familiar. Love is a devil. There is no evil angel but Love." -
But to love something despite. To know the flaws and love them too. This is rare and pure and perfect.
There are two kind of men,' said Ka, in a didatic voice. 'The first kind does not fall in love until he's seen how the girls eats a sandwich, how she combs her hair, what sort of nonsense she cares about, why she's angry at her father, and what sort of stories people tell about her. The second type of man -- and I am in this category -- can fall in love with a woman only if he knows next to nothing about her.
She wants to know if I love her, that's all anyone wants from anyone else, not love itself but the knowledge that love is there, like new batteries in the flashlight in the emergency kit in the hall closet.
Hatred will always give birth to more and more hate, and love has the power to demolish the borders between us.
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