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Fragrant With Heaven’s Blessing, June 28
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him
shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and
lie not against the truth.
James 3:13, 14
.
What is lying against the truth? It is claiming to believe the truth while
the spirit, the words, the deportment, represent not Christ but Satan. To
surmise evil, to be impatient and unforgiving, is lying against the truth, but
love, patience, and long forbearance are in accordance with the principles
of truth. Truth is ever pure, ever kind, breathing a heavenly fragrance
unmingled with selfishness....
To be unkind, to denounce others, to give expression to harsh, severe
judgments, to entertain evil thoughts, is not the result of that wisdom
which is from above.... The language of the Christian must be mild and
circumspect, for his holy faith requires him to represent Christ to the world.
All those who abide in Christ will manifest the kind, forgiving courtesy
that characterized His life. Their works will be works of piety, equity, and
purity. They will have the meekness of wisdom, and will exercise the gift
of the grace of Jesus
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, ... and be ye thankful. Let the
word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in
your hearts to the Lord” (
Colossians 3:15, 16
). This was Christ’s practice.
He was often assailed by temptation, but in place of yielding or being
provoked, He sang God’s praises. With spiritual songs He stopped the
fluent speech of those whom Satan was using to create strife....
When those who love God are tempted, let them sing the praises of
their Creator rather than speak words of accusing or faultfinding. The Lord
will bless those who thus try to make peace. Trust in God. Be careful not
to give the enemy any advantage by your unguarded words. Keep looking
to Jesus. He is your strength....
Be so considerate, so tender, so compassionate, that the atmosphere
surrounding you will be fragrant with Heaven’s blessing
[186]
38
The Review and Herald, March 12, 1895
.
39
The Youth’s Instructor, September 12, 1901.
189