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Thoughtful of Others, July 8
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Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.
1 Peter 3:8
The great apostle Paul was firm where duty and principle were at
stake; he preached Christ with great boldness; but he was never harsh
and impolite. He had a tender heart, and was ever kind and thoughtful of
others. Courtesy was a marked trait of his character, and this gave him
access to the better class of society....
He was zealous for the truth, bold in advocating Christ; but propriety
of deportment, the grace of true politeness, marked all his conduct....
Paul attracted warm hearts wherever he went; his soul was linked
to the soul of his brethren. When he parted with them, knowing and
assuring them that they would never see his face again, they were filled
with sorrow, and so earnestly besought him to still remain with them that
he exclaimed, “What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart?” His
sympathetic heart was breaking as he witnessed and felt their grief at
this final separation. They loved him, and felt that they could not give
him up. What Christian does not admire the character of Paul? Firm as
a rock when standing in defense of the truth, he was affectionate and
gentle as a child when surrounded by his friends....
The most Christlike professors are those who are the most kind,
pitiful, and courteous; their convictions are firm and their characters
strong; nothing can swerve them from their faith or allure them from
their duty.
A Christian will cultivate a meek and quiet spirit; he will be calm,
considerate of others, and will have a happy temper that sickness will not
make irritable or the weather or circumstances disturb.... The children of
God never forget to do good.... Good works are spontaneous with them,
for God has transformed their natures by His grace.
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