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Counsels for the Church
What a world of gossip would be prevented if every man would
remember that those who tell him the faults of others will as freely
publish his faults at a favorable opportunity. We should endeavor to
think well of all men, especially our brethren, until compelled to think
otherwise. We should not hastily credit evil reports. These are often
the result of envy or misunderstanding, or they may proceed from
exaggeration or a partial disclosure of facts. Jealousy and suspicion,
once allowed a place, will sow themselves broadcast, like thistledown.
Should a brother go astray, then is the time to show your real interest
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in him. Go to him kindly, pray with and for him, remembering the
infinite price which Christ has paid for his redemption. In this way
you may save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins.
A glance, a word, even an intonation of the voice, may be vital
with falsehood, sinking like a barbed arrow into some heart, inflicting
an incurable wound. Thus a doubt, a reproach, may be cast upon one
by whom God would accomplish a good work, and his influence is
blighted, his usefulness destroyed. Among some species of animals,
if one of their number is wounded and falls, he is at once set upon
and torn in pieces by his fellows. The same cruel spirit is indulged by
men and women who bear the name of Christians. They manifest a
pharisaical zeal to stone others less guilty than themselves. There are
some who point to others’ faults and failures to divert attention from
their own, or to gain credit for great zeal for God and the church
The time spent in criticizing the motives and works of Christ’s
servants might better be spent in prayer. Often if those who find fault
knew the truth in regard to those with whom they find fault, they would
have an altogether different opinion of them. How much better it would
be if, instead of criticizing and condemning others, everyone would
say: “I must work out my own salvation. If I co-operate with Him
who desires to save my soul, I must watch myself diligently. I must
cut away every evil from my life. I must become a new creature in
Christ. I must overcome every fault. Then, instead of weakening those
who are striving against evil, I can strengthen them by encouraging
words.
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Testimonies for the Church 5:58, 59
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Testimonies for the Church 8:83, 84