A Living Gospel

"Everything went on so sociably, so quietly, so harmoniously, in the great kitchen, -- it seemed so pleasant to every one to do just what they were doing, there was such an atmosphere of mutual confidence and good fellowship everywhere, -- even the knives and forks had a social clatter as they went on to the table; and the chicken and ham had a cheerful and joyous fizzle in the pan as if they rather enjoyed being cooked than otherwise; -- and when George and Eliza and little Harry came out, they met such a hearty rejoicing welcome, no wonder it seemed to them like a dream....

"This, indeed was a home, -- home, -- a word that George had never yet known a meaning for; and a belief in God, and trust in His providence, began to encircle his heart, as, with a golden cloud of protection and confidence, dark, misanthropic, pining, atheistic doubts, and fierce despair, melted away before the light of a living Gospel, breathed in living faces, preached by a thousand unconscious acts of love and good-will, which, like the cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple, shall never lose their reward."

-Uncle Tom's Cabin, ch. 13

Sadly, this little selection does no justice to it's chapter from Uncle Tom's Cabin. As I read, a great desire filled me to be a fly on the wall of this snug cottage. The interactions of it's inhabitants are so kind, gentle and grace-filled. And the last paragraph simply says it all -- a living Gospel! How many of us know unbelieving people and family members? How imperative is it, then, that when we relate with them, our actions are filled with Christ's love. Just as George was converted by merely beholding the workings of a godly family, so will others be witnessed to by a such a godly lifestyle.