Brotherly Love
195
off division they sacrifice principle. True brotherhood can never be
maintained by compromising principle. As Christians approach the
Christlike model and become pure in spirit and action they will feel the
venom of the serpent. The opposition of the children of disobedience
is excited by a Christianity that is spiritual.... That peace and harmony
which are secured by mutual concessions to avoid all differences of
opinion are not worthy of the name. On points of feeling between man
and man, concessions should sometimes be made; but never should
one iota of principle be sacrificed to obtain harmony.—
The Review
and Herald, January 16, 1900
.
Divine Love Impartial—Christ came to this earth with a message
of mercy and forgiveness. He laid the foundation for a religion by
which Jew and Gentile, black and white, free and bond, are linked
together in one common brotherhood, recognized as equal in the sight
of God. The Saviour has a boundless love for every human being. In
each one He sees capacity for improvement. With divine energy and
hope He greets those for whom He has given His life.—
Testimonies
for the Church 7:225
(1902).
Enfolds Human Brotherhood in God’s Embrace—Sanctified
love for one another is sacred. In this great work Christian love for
one another—far higher, more constant, more courteous, more un-
selfish, than has been seen—preserves Christian tenderness, Christian
benevolence, and politeness, and enfolds the human brotherhood in
the embrace of God, acknowledging the dignity with which God has
invested the rights of man. This dignity Christians must ever cultivate
for the honor and glory of God.—
Letter 10, 1897
(
The S.D.A. Bible
Commentary 5:1140, 1141
.)
[245]
Your Love for Souls Measures Your Love for God—The love
revealed in Christ’s life of self-denial and self-sacrifice is to be seen
in the lives of His followers. We are called “so to walk, even as He
walked.”... It is our privilege to stand with the light of heaven upon us.
It was thus that Enoch walked with God. It was no easier for Enoch to
live a righteous life than it is for us at the present time. The world in
his time was no more favorable to growth in grace and holiness than
it is now.... We are living in the perils of the last days, and we must
receive our strength from the same source. We must walk with God....
God calls upon you to put all your strength into the work. You will
have to render an account for the good you might have done had you