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The Charming Christian, March 11
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another.
Romans 12:10
.
We cannot set ourselves as a criterion to which others must conform. We
will reveal a tenderness of heart and a whole-souled enthusiasm in promoting
the happiness of all with whom we are connected. We have a duty to do in
eliminating self from our plans and in feeling a personal responsibility to
act as Christ would act in circumstances similar to those with which we are
surrounded. Then we will impress the minds of others in such a way that God
will be glorified.
As followers of Christ we should seek to make the most favorable im-
pression upon the minds of all we have connection with, of the religion we
profess, and to inspire noble thoughts. Some will be affected by our influence
through time and through eternity....
If we would teach others, we ourselves must daily learn lessons from
Christ. There are some who do not comprehend the sacredness of the work
of God. Those of the least ability, the most thoughtless and even the indolent
youth, especially demand our prayerful consideration. We need special wis-
dom to know how to help those who seem inconsiderate and thoughtless. Said
David, “Thy gentleness hath made me great” (
2 Samuel 22:36
,
Psalm 18:35
).
In the work of applying ourselves to help others, we may gain most pre-
cious victories. We must devote ourselves with untiring zeal, with earnest
fidelity, with self-denial and with patience to the work of encouraging those
who need to develop. Kind, encouraging words will do wonders. There are
many who, if a constant, cheerful effort is put forth in their behalf, with-
out faultfinding or continual chiding, will show themselves susceptible of
improvement....
We are to cooperate with the Lord Jesus in restoring the inefficient and the
erring to intelligence and sacred purity. We are called by God to manifest an
untiring, patient interest in the salvation of those who need divine polishing....
God will not withhold wisdom from those who seek for it. He gives
grace to one, that he in turn may impart it to some other needy soul.—
Letter
94, March 11, 1905
, to Sister Josephine Gotzian, a philanthropic Adventist
widow.
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