Our Duty to the World
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Often the hearts of men will harden under rebuke, but they cannot
withstand the love expressed toward them in Christ. We should bid
the sinner not to feel himself an outcast from God. Bid the sinner look
to Christ, who alone can heal the soul leprous with sin. Reveal to the
desperate, discouraged sufferer that he is a prisoner of hope. Let your
message be: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of
the world.”
I have been instructed that the medical missionary work will dis-
cover, in the very depths of degradation, men who, though they have
given themselves up to intemperate, dissolute habits, will respond to
the right kind of labor. But they need to be recognized and encouraged.
Firm, patient, earnest effort will be required in order to lift them up.
They cannot restore themselves. They may hear Christ’s call, but their
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ears are too dull to take in its meaning; their eyes are too blind to see
anything good in store for them. They are dead in trespasses and sins.
Yet even these are not to be excluded from the gospel feast. They are
to receive the invitation: “Come.” Though they may feel unworthy,
the Lord says: “Compel them to come in.” Listen to no excuse. By
love and kindness lay right hold of them. “Ye, beloved, building up
yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep
yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus
Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a
difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.”
Jude 1:20-23
. Press home upon the conscience the terrible results of
the transgression of God’s law. Show that it is not God who causes
pain and suffering, but that man through his own ignorance and sin
has brought this condition upon himself.
This work, properly conducted, will save many a poor sinner who
has been neglected by the churches. Many not of our faith are longing
for the very help that Christians are in duty bound to give. If God’s
people would show a genuine interest in their neighbors, many would
be reached by the special truths for this time. Nothing will or ever
can give character to the work like helping the people just where they
are. Thousands might today be rejoicing in the message if those who
claim to love God and keep His commandments would work as Christ
worked.