It Takes Strength to Love
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
“The conquering weapon of the Christian is love.” – C.H. Spurgeon
Strength to Love is a book by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that was published in 1963 as a collection of his sermons on racial segregation and religious values. Here are some excerpts from Dr. King’s book on the subjects of faith, courage, and love in action.
“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. So, when Jesus says, ‘Love your enemies,’ He is setting forth a profound and ultimately inescapable admonition. Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies – or else? The chain reaction of evil – hate begetting hate, wars producing wars – must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.”
“Courage faces fear and thereby masters it.”
“Only through an inner spiritual transformation do we gain the strength to fight vigorously the evils of the world in a humble and loving spirit.”
“On the parable of the Good Samaritan: ‘I imagine that the first question the priest and Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But by the very nature of his concern, the good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?’”
“Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.”
“Every time I look at the cross I am reminded of the greatness of God and the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. I am reminded of the beauty of sacrificial love and the majesty of unswerving devotion to truth.”
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others. In dangerous valleys and hazardous pathways, he will lift some bruised and beaten brother to a higher and more noble life.”
“Man-made laws assure justice, but a higher law produces love.”
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” I Corinthians 13:7
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
