Chapter 42—Understanding Others
Heart Trials of One With Remorse—When one at fault becomes
conscious of his error, be careful not to destroy his self-respect. Do
not discourage him by indifference or distrust. Do not say, “Before
giving him my confidence, I will wait to see whether he will hold out.”
Often this very distrust causes the tempted one to stumble.
We should strive to understand the weakness of others. We know
little of the heart trials of those who have been bound in chains of
darkness and who lack resolution and moral power. Most pitiable is
the condition of him who is suffering under remorse; he is as one
stunned, staggering, sinking into the dust. He can see nothing clearly.
The mind is beclouded, he knows not what steps to take. Many a poor
soul is misunderstood, unappreciated, full of distress and agony—a
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lost, straying sheep. He cannot find God, yet he has an intense longing
for pardon and peace.
Powerful Influences Toward Evil—Oh, let no word be spoken
to cause deeper pain! To the soul weary of a life of sin, but knowing
not where to find relief, present the compassionate Saviour. Take
him by the hand, lift him up, speak to him words of courage and
hope. Help him to grasp the hand of the Saviour.... We need to put
ourselves in the place of the tempted ones. Consider the power of
heredity, the influence of evil associations and surroundings, the power
of wrong habits. Can we wonder that under such influences many
become degraded? Can we wonder that they should be slow to respond
to efforts for their uplifting?—
The Ministry of Healing, 167, 168
.
Tender Sympathy—Wondrous love, that God, the infinite God,
has made it our privilege to approach Him by the endearing name
of “Father”! No earthly parent could plead more earnestly with an
erring child than He who has made us pleads with the transgressor.
No human interest has ever followed the impenitent with such tender
invitations.
Then with what tender sympathy should we labor for those who
are erring and sinful, who are perishing around us. We must work in
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