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Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 2
words, their actions, their spirit, might be sanctified to God. We can
be perfect Christians if we will manifest this power in our lives. When
the light of heaven rests upon us continually, we shall represent Christ.
[528]
It was the righteousness revealed in His life that distinguished Christ
from the world and called forth its hatred.—MS 97, 1909.
Hatred Springs From Desire for Revenge—Satan contested ev-
ery claim put forth by the Son of God and employed men as his agents
to fill the Saviour’s life with suffering and sorrow. The sophistry and
falsehood by which he had sought to hinder the work of Jesus, the
hatred manifested through the children of disobedience, his cruel ac-
cusations against Him whose life was one of unexampled goodness,
all sprang from deep-seated revenge. The pent-up fires of envy and
malice, hatred and revenge, burst forth on Calvary against the Son of
God, while all heaven gazed upon the scene in silent horror.—
The
Great Controversy, 501
(1888).
Hatred Toward Parents (words to a young woman)—
Especially have you a work to do to confess with humiliation your
disrespectful course toward your parents. There is no reason for this
unnatural manifestation toward them. It is purely a satanic spirit, and
you have indulged in it because your mother has not sanctioned your
course. Your feelings amount not only to positive dislike, decided
disrespect, but to hatred, malice, envy, jealousy, which are manifested
in your actions, causing them suffering and privation. You do not
feel like making them happy, or even comfortable. Your feelings are
changeable. Sometimes your heart softens, then it closes firmly as
you see some fault in them, and the angels cannot impress it with one
emotion of love.
An evil demon controls you, and you are hateful and hating. God
has marked your disrespectful words, your unkind acts to your parents,
whom He has commanded you to honor, and if you fail to see this
great sin and repent of it, you will grow darker until you will be left to
your evil ways.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:82, 83
(1868).
[529]
Satan Delights in Controlling Minds of Children—What a grief
it is to see children of God-fearing parents unruly and disobedient,
unthankful and self-willed, full of determination to have their own way,
regardless of the inconvenience or sorrow it causes their parents. Satan
takes delight in ruling the hearts of children, and if he is permitted, he