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| John A. Widtsoe |
"The full and essential nature
of love we may not understand, but there are tests by which it may be recognized.
Love and truth
"Love is always founded in truth . . . Lies and deceit, or any other violation of the moral
law, are proofs of love's absence. Love perishes in the midst of untruth . . . Thus, the lover
who falsifies to his loved one, or offers her any act contrary to truth, does not really love her.
Love does not injure
"Further, love does not offend or hurt or injure the loved one. By that test any human venture,
past and present, may be measured for its real value. Cruelty is as absent from love . . . as
truth is from untruth.
Love is a positive force
". . . love is a positive active force. It helps the loved one. If there is need, love tries to
supply it. If there is weakness, love supplants it with strength . . . Love that does not help is
a faked or transient love.
Love gives
"Good as these tests are, there is a greater one. True love sacrifices for the loved one . . .
That is the final test. Christ gave of Himself, gave His life for us, and thereby proclaimed the
reality of his love for his mortal brethren and sisters. The mother gives of her own flesh and
blood, and jeopardizes her very life, for her child. In family relationships there must be
mutual sacrifices among husband, wife, and children, else true love is not there." (Dr. John A.
Widtsoe,
An Understandable Religion, Ch. 8.)
John Andreas Widtsoe was a member of
the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints from 1921 until his death. Widtsoe was also a noted
author, scientist, and academician.
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