Meeting Opposition
Our ministers and teachers are to represent the love of God to a
fallen world. With hearts melted in tenderness let the word of truth
be spoken. Let all who are in error be treated with the gentleness of
Christ. If those for whom you labor do not immediately grasp the
truth, do not censure, do not criticize or condemn. Remember that you
are to represent Christ in His meekness and gentleness and love. We
must expect to meet unbelief and opposition. The truth has always
had to meet these elements. But though you should meet the bitterest
opposition, do not denounce your opponents. They may think, as did
Paul, that they are doing God’s service, and to such we must manifest
patience, meekness, and long-suffering.
Let us not feel that we have heavy trials to bear, severe conflicts
to endure, in representing unpopular truth. Think of Jesus and what
He has suffered for you, and be silent. Even when abused and falsely
accused, make no complaint; speak no word of murmuring; let no
thought of reproach or discontent enter your mind. Take a straightfor-
ward course, “having your conversation honest among the Gentiles:
that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your
good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visita-
tion.”
1 Peter 2:12
.
“Love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for
evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye
are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will
love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and
his lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew evil, and do good; let
him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the
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righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of
the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm
you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for
righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror,
neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be
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