158
Evangelism
Some, easily excited, are always ready to take up the weapons of
warfare. In times of trial they will show that they have not founded
their faith on the solid rock....
Let Seventh-day Adventists do nothing that will mark them as
lawless and disobedient. Let them keep all inconsistency out of their
lives. Our work is to proclaim the truth, leaving the issues with the
Lord.
Do all in your power to reflect the light, but do not speak words
that will irritate or provoke.—
Manuscript 117a, 1901
.
Presenting Truth in Fierce Way—In the past you have presented
the truth in a fierce way, using it as if it were a scourge. This has
not glorified the Lord. You have given the people the rich treasures
[174]
of God’s Word, but your manner has been so condemnatory that they
have turned from them. You have not taught the truth in the way that
Christ taught it. You present it in a way that mars its influence.... Your
heart needs to be filled with the converting grace of Christ.—
Letter
164, 1902
.
Present the Truth Tenderly—Let every minister learn to wear
the gospel shoes. He who is shod with the preparation of the gospel
of peace will walk as Christ walked. He will be able to speak right
words, and to speak them in love. He will not try to drive home God’s
message of truth. He will deal tenderly with every heart, realizing that
the Spirit will impress the truth on those who are susceptible to divine
impressions. Never will he be vehement in his manner. Every word
spoken will have a softening, subduing influence....
In speaking words of reproof, let us put all the Christlike tenderness
and love possible into the voice. The higher a minister’s position, the
more circumspect should he be in word and act.—
Manuscript 127,
1902
.
Reclaim Rather Than Condemn—All whose hearts are in sym-
pathy with the heart of Infinite Love will seek to reclaim, and not
to condemn. Christ dwelling in the soul is a spring that never runs
dry. Where He abides, there will be an overflowing of beneficence.—
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 39
(1896).