336
The Adventist Home
The spirit of gossip and talebearing is one of Satan’s special agen-
cies to sow discord and strife, to separate friends, and to undermine
the faith of many in the truthfulness of our positions
Sowing Seeds of Distrust Is an Aid to the Enemy—It is natural
for human beings to speak sharp words. Those who yield to this
inclination open the door for Satan to enter their hearts and to make
them quick to remember the mistakes and errors of others. Their
failings are dwelt upon, their deficiencies noted, and words are spoken
that cause a lack of confidence in one who is doing his best to fulfill
his duty as a laborer together with God. Often the seeds of distrust are
sown because one thinks that he ought to have been favored but was
not
God calls upon believers to cease finding fault, to cease making
hasty, unkind speeches. Parents, let the words that you speak to your
children be kind and pleasant, that angels may have your help in
drawing them to Christ. A thorough reformation is needed in the
home church. Let it begin at once. Let all grumbling and fretting and
scolding cease. Those who fret and scold shut out the angels of heaven
and open the door to evil angels
A Plea for Parental Forbearance and Restraint—Parents, when
you feel fretful, you should not commit so great a sin as to poison
the whole family with this dangerous irritability. At such times set a
double watch over yourselves, and resolve in your heart not to offend
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with your lips, that you will utter only pleasant, cheerful words. Say to
yourselves: “I will not mar the happiness of my children by a fretful
word.” By thus controlling yourselves, you will grow stronger. Your
nervous system will not be so sensitive. You will be strengthened
by the principles of right. The consciousness that you are faithfully
discharging your duty will strengthen you. Angels of God will smile
upon your efforts and help you
Fathers and mothers, speak kindly to your children; remember how
sensitive you are, how little you can bear to be blamed; reflect, and
know that your children are like you. That which you cannot bear do
not lay upon them. If you cannot bear censure and blame, neither can
32
Testimonies For The Church 4, 195
.
33
Letter 169, 1904
.
34
Letter 133, 1904
.
35
Testimonies For The Church 1, 386, 387
.