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Testimonies for the Church Volume 6
ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason
of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
1 Peter 3:8-15
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You should conduct yourself with meekness toward those who
are in error, for were not you yourself recently in blindness in your
sins? And because of the patience of Christ toward you, should you
not be tender and patient toward others? God has given us many
admonitions to manifest great kindness toward those who oppose us,
lest we influence a soul in the wrong direction.
Our life must be hid with Christ in God. We must know Christ
personally. Then only can we rightly represent Him to the world. Let
the prayer constantly ascend: “Lord, teach me how to do as Jesus
would do were He in my place.” Wherever we are we must let our
light shine forth to the glory of God in good works. This is the great,
important interest of our life.
* * * * *
The Lord wants His people to follow other methods than that of
condemning wrong, even though the condemnation be just. He wants
us to do something more than to hurl at our adversaries charges that
only drive them further 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.
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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.
In the advocacy of the truth the bitterest opponents should be
treated with respect and deference. Some will not respond to our
efforts, but will make light of the gospel invitation. Others—even those
whom we suppose to have passed the boundary of God’s mercy—will
be won to Christ. The very last work in the controversy may be the
enlightenment of those who have not rejected light and evidence, but
who have been in midnight darkness and have in ignorance worked
against the truth. Therefore treat every man as honest. Speak no word,
do no deed, that will confirm any in unbelief.
If anyone shall seek to draw the workers into debate or controversy
on political or other questions, take no heed to either persuasion or
challenge. Carry forward the work of God firmly and strongly, but