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Be Sympathetic to All Men, July 4
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To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am
made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
1
Corinthians 9:22
All should study carefully how they can themselves become most
useful and how they can themselves be a blessing to those with whom
they associate.
All who profess to be children of God should unceasingly bear in
mind that they are missionaries, in their labors brought in connection
with all classes of minds. There will be men who are untrue in their
dealing with their fellow men; there will be the aristocrat, the vain, the
proud, the frivolous, the independent, the complaining, the despond-
ing, the discouraged, the fanatical, the egotistical, the timid, and the
sensitive ones, the elevated in mind, and the courteous in manner, the
dissipated, the uncourteous, and the superficial.... These varied minds
cannot be treated alike; yet all whether they be rich or poor, high or low,
dependent or independent, need kindness, sympathy, truth, and love. By
mutual contact our minds should receive polish and refinement. We are
dependent upon one another, closely bound together by the ties of human
brotherhood.
It is through the social relations that Christianity comes in contact
with the world. Every man and woman who has tasted of the love of
Christ and has received into the heart the divine illumination is required
of God to shed light on the pathway of those who are unacquainted with
the better way....
We must confess Christ openly and bravely, exhibiting in our charac-
ters His meekness, humility, and love, till men shall be charmed with the
beauty of holiness.
Social power, sanctified by the Spirit of Christ, must be improved
in bringing souls to the Saviour.... We are to have Christ in us as a
wellspring of water, springing up into everlasting life, refreshing all who
come in contact with us.
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