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The Home Should Be a Refuge for the Youth, July 17
Family Companionship
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name,
receiveth me.
Mark 9:37
Our homes should be a place of refuge for the tempted youth. Many
there are who stand at the parting of the ways. Every influence, every
impression, is determining the choice that shapes their destiny both here
and hereafter.
Do not hold yourselves aloof from them, but come close to them.
Bring them to your firesides; invite them to your family altars. There is
work that thousands need to have done for them. Every tree in Satan’s
garden is hung with tempting, poisonous fruit, and a woe is pronounced
upon every one who plucks and eats.
Evil invites them. Its resorts are made bright and attractive. They
have a welcome for every comer. All about us are youth who have no
home and many whose homes have no helpful, uplifting power, and the
youth drift into evil. They are going down to ruin within the very shadow
of our own doors.
These youth need a hand stretched out to them in sympathy. Kind
words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away
the clouds of temptation which gather over the soul. The true expression
of heaven-born sympathy has power to open the door of hearts that need
the fragrance of Christlike words and the simple, delicate touch of the
spirit of Christ’s love. If we would show an interest in the youth, invite
them to our homes, and surround them with cheering, helpful influences,
there are many who would gladly turn their steps into the upward path.
Remember that happiness will not be found in shutting yourselves
up to yourselves, satisfied to pour out all your affection upon each other.
Seize upon every opportunity for contributing to the happiness of those
around you.... True joy can be found only in unselfish service.
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