Social Relationships
197
Social Elements to Be Cultivated—We sustain a loss when we
neglect the privilege of associating together to strengthen and encour-
age one another in the service of God. The truths of His Word lose
their vividness and importance in our minds. Our hearts cease to be
enlightened and aroused by their sanctifying influence, and we decline
in spirituality. In our association as Christians we lose much by lack
of sympathy with one another. He who shuts himself up to himself
is not filling the position that God designed he should. The proper
cultivation of the social elements in our nature brings us into sympathy
with others and is a means of development and strength to us in the
service of God.—
Steps to Christ, 101
(1892).
Jesus Was Highly Social—The Saviour’s entire life was charac-
terized by disinterested benevolence and the beauty of holiness. He
is our pattern of goodness. From the beginning of His ministry, men
began to comprehend more clearly the character of God. He carried
out His teachings in His own life. He showed consistency without
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obstinacy, benevolence without weakness, tenderness and sympathy
without sentimentalism. He was highly social, yet He possessed a
reserve that discouraged any familiarity. His temperance never led to
bigotry or austerity. He was not conformed to the world, yet He was
attentive to the wants of the least among men.—
Counsels to Parents,
Teachers, and Students, 262
(1913).
Social Kindliness and Dignity of Humanity—At the table of the
publicans He sat as an honored guest, by His sympathy and social
kindliness showing that He recognized the dignity of humanity; and
men longed to become worthy of His confidence. Upon their thirsty
hearts His words fell with blessed, life-giving power. New impulses
were awakened, and to these outcasts of society there opened the
possibility of a new life.—
The Ministry of Healing, 26
(1905).
Disciples Taught True Social Duties—Christ taught His disci-
ples how to conduct themselves when in the company of others. He
instructed them in regard to the duties and regulations of true social
life, which are the same as the laws of the kingdom of God. He taught
the disciples, by example, that when attending any public gathering,
they need not want for something to say. His conversation when at a
feast differed most decidedly from that which had been listened to at
feasts in the past. Every word He uttered was a savor of life unto life.
He spoke with clearness and simplicity. His words were as apples of