In the Spirit of Self-Sacrificing Love, February 28

These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11.RRe 61.1

Our Saviour’s joy was in the uplifting and redemption of fallen men. For this He counted not His life dear unto Himself, but endured the cross, despising the shame.—Steps to Christ, 77.RRe 61.2

Ever before Him He saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the prospect that He would not have all this travail for naught. By giving His life for the life of men, He would win back the world to its loyalty to God.—The Desire of Ages, 410.RRe 61.3

The accomplishment of the mission which He had left heaven to perform, strengthened the Saviour for His labor, and lifted Him above the necessities of humanity. To minister to a soul hungering and thirsting for the truth was more grateful to Him than eating or drinking. It was a comfort, a refreshment to Him. Benevolence was the life of His soul.—The Desire of Ages, 190.RRe 61.4

The spirit of Christ’s self-sacrificing love is the spirit that pervades heaven, and is the very essence of its bliss. This is the spirit that Christ’s followers will possess, the work that they will do.—Steps to Christ, 77.RRe 61.5