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them, not for the purpose of gossiping with them, but to pray, to speak
unto them words that are “like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
We all need to study character and manner that we may know
how to deal judiciously with different minds, that we may use our
best endeavors to help them to a correct understanding of the Word
of God, and to a true Christian life. We should read the Bible with
them, and draw their minds away from temporal things to their eternal
interests. It is the duty of God’s children to be missionaries for Him,
to become acquainted with those who need help. If one is staggering
under temptation, his case should be taken up carefully and managed
wisely; for his eternal interest is at stake, and the words and acts of
those laboring for him may be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto
death.—
Testimonies For The Church 4:68, 69
(1876).
The Guardianship Plan—In Christ we are all members of one
family. God is our Father, and He expects us to take an interest in the
members of His household, not a casual interest, but a decided, con-
tinual interest. As branches of the parent vine, we derive nourishment
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from the same source, and by willing obedience, we become one with
Christ.
If one member of Christ’s household falls into temptation, the other
members are to look after him with kindly interest, seeking to arrest
the feet that are straying into false paths, and win him to a pure, holy
life. This service God requires from every member of His church....
The members of the Lord’s family are to be wise and watchful, doing
all in their power to save their weaker brethren from Satan’s concealed
nets.
This is home missionary work, and it is as helpful to those who do
it as to those for whom it is done. The kindly interest we manifest in
the home circle, the words of sympathy we speak to our brothers and
sisters, fit us to work for the members of the Lord’s household, with
whom, if we remain loyal to Christ, we shall live through eternal ages.
“Be thou faithful unto death,” Christ says, “and I will give thee a crown
of life.” Then how carefully should the members of the Lord’s family
guard their brethren and sisters! Make yourself their friend. If they
are poor and in need of food and clothing, minister to their temporal
as well as their spiritual wants. Thus you will be a double blessing to
them.—
Manuscript 63, 1898
.