Negative Influences on the Mind
329
Christian courtesy unites and perfects both justice and politeness, and
mercy and love make up the filling, giving the finest touches and most
graceful charm to the character.—Lt 25, 1870. (HC 236.)
Erect No Barriers—The Lord wants His people to follow other
methods than that of condemning wrong, even though the condem-
nation is just. He wants us to do something more than to hurl at our
adversaries charges that only drive them farther from the truth. The
work which Christ came to do in our world was not to erect barriers
and constantly thrust upon the people the fact that they were wrong.
He who expects to enlighten a deceived people must come near to
them and labor for them in love. He must become a center of holy
influence.—
Gospel Workers, 373
(1915).
Overcome Sensitiveness—Many have a vivid, unsanctified sen-
sitiveness which keeps them constantly on the alert for some word,
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some look, or some action which they can construe as a lack of respect
and appreciation. All this must be overcome. Everyone should go
forward in the fear of God, doing his best without being troubled by
praise or offended by censure, serving God fervently and learning to
place the most favorable interpretation upon whatever in others may
seem offensive.—MS 24, 1887. (HC 240.)
Hunt Up No Grievances—To judge our brethren, to allow feel-
ings to be cherished against them, even if we feel they have not done
exactly right toward us, will bring no blessing to our hearts and will
not help the case at all. I dare not allow my feelings to run in the chan-
nel of hunting up all my grievances, telling them over and over, and
dwelling in the atmosphere of distrust, enmity, and dissension.—Lt
74, 1888. (HC 239.)
Loss of Conscious Integrity—When you lose your conscious
integrity, your soul becomes a battlefield for Satan; you have
doubts and fears enough to paralyze your energies and drive you to
discouragement.—Lt 14, 1885. (HC 94.)
Special Work of Satan to Cause Dissension—The neglect to
cultivate tender consideration and forbearance for one another has
caused dissension, distrust, faultfinding, and general disunion. God
... calls upon us to put away this great sin and to strive to answer the
prayer of Christ that His disciples may be one, as He is one with the
Father.... It is the special work of Satan to cause dissension ... that the
world should be deprived of the most powerful testimony Christians