Self-respect
205
Parents Never to Forfeit Self-respect by Thoughtless Words—
Let not one word of fretfulness, harshness, or passion escape your lips.
The grace of Christ awaits your demand. His Spirit will take control
of your heart and conscience, presiding over your words and deeds.
Never forfeit your self-respect by hasty, thoughtless words. See that
your words are pure, your conversation holy. Give your children an
example of that which you wish them to be.... Let there be peace,
pleasant words, and cheerful countenances.—
Letter 28, 1890
. (
Child
Guidance, 219
.)
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Self-respect Destroyed by Masturbation [
See
Child Guidance,
439-468
.]—The effect of such debasing habits is not the same upon
all minds. There are some children who have the moral powers largely
developed, who, by associating with children that practice self-abuse,
become initiated into this vice. The effect upon such will be too
frequently to make them melancholy, irritable, and jealous; yet such
may not lose their respect for religious worship and may not show
special infidelity in regard to spiritual things. They will at times
suffer keenly from feelings of remorse, and will feel degraded in their
own eyes and lose their self-respect.—
Testimonies for the Church
2:392
(1870).
Do Not Destroy Self-respect—When one at fault becomes con-
scious 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.—
The Ministry of
Healing, 167, 168
(1905).
Self-support Increases Self-respect—Those who are endeavor-
ing to reform should be provided with employment. None who are
able to labor should be taught to expect food and clothing and shelter
free of cost. For their own sake, as well as for the sake of others, some
way should be devised whereby they may return an equivalent for what
they receive. Encourage every effort toward self-support. This will
strengthen self-respect and a noble independence. And occupation
of mind and body in useful work is essential as a safeguard against
temptation.—
The Ministry of Healing, 177
(1905).
Ownership Aids Poor to Gain Self-respect—The sense of be-
ing owners of their own homes would inspire them [the poor] with
a strong desire for improvement. They would soon acquire skill in
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