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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
and strife among the Lord’s professed people that have kept us in this
world of sin and sorrow so many years.—MS 4, 1883. (
Evangelism,
696
.)
No Time for Contention and Strife—Men and women profess-
ing to serve the Lord are content to occupy their time and attention
with matters of little importance. They are content to be at variance
with one another. If they were consecrated to the work of the Master,
they would not be striving and contending like a family of unruly
children. Every hand would be engaged in service. Every one would
be standing at his post of duty, working with heart and soul as a mis-
sionary of the cross of Christ.... The workers would carry with them
into their service the prayers and sympathies of an awakened church.
They would receive their directions from Christ and would find no
time for contention or strife.—
The Review and Herald, September 10,
1903
.
Let not controversy arise over trifles. The spirit of love and the
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ will bind heart to heart, if each will open
the windows of the heart heavenward and close them earthward.—Lt
183, 1899.
[499]
Controversy to Be Laid to Rest—The power of the grace of
God will do more for the soul than controversy will do in a lifetime.
By the power of the truth how many things might be adjusted and
controversies hoary with age find quietude in the admission of better
ways. The great, grand principle, “Peace on earth and good will to
men,” will be far better practiced when those who believe in Christ are
laborers together with God. Then all the little things which some are
ever harping upon, which are not authoritatively settled by the Word
of God, will not be magnified into important matters.—Lt 183, 1899.
Controversy Excites Self-defense—In His treatment of Thomas,
Jesus gave a lesson for His followers. His example shows how we
should treat those whose faith is weak and who make their doubts
prominent. Jesus did not overwhelm Thomas with reproach, nor did He
enter into controversy with him. He revealed Himself to the doubting
one. Thomas had been most unreasonable in dictating the conditions
of his faith, but Jesus, by His generous love and consideration, broke
down all the barriers. Unbelief is seldom overcome by controversy. It
is rather put upon self-defense and finds new support and excuse. But
let Jesus, in His love and mercy, be revealed as the crucified Saviour,