Christ Deals With Minds
147
the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmo-
sphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of
His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew
to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for
the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word,
He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The
afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with
theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more
of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to
abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them
continually.—
The Desire of Ages, 254, 255
(1898).
His Life Was Harmonious—In His life Jesus of Nazareth differed
from all other men. His entire life was characterized by disinterested
benevolence and the beauty of holiness. In His bosom existed the
purest love, free from every taint of selfishness and sin. His life was
perfectly harmonious. He is the only true model of goodness and
perfection. From the beginning of His ministry men began more
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clearly to comprehend the character of God.
Up to the time of Christ’s first advent, men worshiped cruel,
despotic gods. Even the Jewish mind was reached through fear and
not love. Christ’s mission on the earth was to reveal to men that God
was not a despot but a heavenly Father, full of love and mercy for His
children.—
Manuscript 132, 1902.
He Was Not Devoid of Warmth and Sunniness—There are
many who have an erroneous idea of the life and character of Christ.
They think He was devoid of warmth and sunniness, that He was stern,
severe, and joyless. In many cases the whole religious experience is
colored by these gloomy views.—
Steps to Christ, 120
(1892).
Infinite Possibilities in Every Human Being—In every human
being He discerned infinite possibilities. He saw men as they might be,
transfigured by His grace—in “the beauty of the Lord our God” (
Psalm
90:17
). Looking upon them with hope, He inspired hope, Meeting
them with confidence, He inspired trust. Revealing in Himself man’s
true ideal, He awakened, for its attainment, both desire and faith. In
His presence souls despised and fallen realized that they still were
men, and they longed to prove themselves worthy of His regard. In
many a heart that seemed dead to all things holy were awakened new