Counseling
313
It is impossible for you to pursue any wrong course without causing
others to suffer.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:356, 357
(1870).
Care in Approach—Those who ... are careless and abrupt in
approaching persons would show the same defects of manner, the
same want of tact and skill in dealing with minds, should they enter
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the ministry.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:399
(1885).
How to Say “Plain” Things—I have been enabled to say some
very plain things to those who have become confused. I dared not do
otherwise than to tell them the truth, because a message was given me
for them.—Lt 271, 1903.
Learn Christ’s Way of Dealing With Minds—Learn to deal with
minds as Christ did. Sharp things must sometimes be spoken, but be
sure that the Holy Spirit of God is abiding in your heart before you
speak the clear-cut truth; then let it cut its way. You are not to do the
cutting.—G.C.D.B. April 13, 1891. (
Selected Messages 2:371
.)
Sick Have Emotional Needs—Sympathy and tact will often prove
a greater benefit to the sick than will the most skillful treatment given
in a cold, indifferent way. When a physician comes to the sickbed
with a listless, careless manner, looks at the afflicted one with little
concern, by word or action giving the impression that the case is not
one requiring much attention, and then leaves the patient to his own
reflections, he has done that patient positive harm. The doubt and
discouragement produced by his indifference will often counteract
the good effect of the remedies he may prescribe.—
The Ministry of
Healing, 244
(1905).
No Reproach but a Kindly Hand—If you see one whose words
or attitude shows that he is separated from God, do not blame him. It
is not your work to condemn him, but come close to his side to help
him. The parable of the straying sheep needs to be placed as a motto
in every dwelling. The Divine Shepherd leaves the ninety and nine,
and goes out into the wilderness to seek the one that is lost.
There are thickets, quagmires, and dangerous crevices in the rocks,
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and the Shepherd knows that if the sheep is in any of these places a
friendly hand must lift it out. When He discovers the lost one, He
does not heap reproaches upon it. He is only glad that He has found
it alive. When He hears its bleating afar off, He encounters any and
every difficulty that He may save His sheep that was lost. With firm yet
gentle hand He parts the briers, or takes it from the mire; He tenderly