Christian Attitude Toward Want and Suffering
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cannot co-operate with him in the development of character. The
culture of the mind and heart is more easily accomplished when we
feel such tender sympathy for others that we bestow our benefits and
privileges to relieve their necessities. Getting and holding all that we
can for ourselves tends to poverty of soul. But all the attributes of
Christ await the reception of those who will do the very work that God
has appointed them to do, working in Christ’s lines
The Saviour ignores both rank and caste, worldly honor and riches.
It is character and devotedness of purpose that are of high value with
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Him. He does not take sides with the strong and worldly favored. He,
the Son of the living God, stoops to uplift the fallen. By pledges and
words of assurance He seeks to win to Himself the lost, perishing soul.
Angels of God are watching to see who of His followers will exercise
tender pity and sympathy. They are watching to see who of God’s
people will manifest the love of Jesus
God calls not only for your benevolence, but for your cheerful
countenance, your hopeful words, the grasp of your hand. As you visit
the Lord’s afflicted ones, you will find some from whom hope has
departed; bring back the sunshine to them. There are those who need
the bread of life; read to them from the word of God. Upon others
there is a soul sickness that no earthly balm can reach or physician
heal; pray for these, and bring them to Jesus
Our Duty to the Poor in the Church
There are two classes of poor whom we have always within our
borders—those who ruin themselves by their own independent course
of action and continue in their transgression, and those who for the
truth’s sake have been brought into straitened circumstances. We are
to love our neighbor as ourselves, and then toward both these classes
we shall do the right thing under the guidance and counsel of sound
wisdom.
There is no question in regard to the Lord’s poor. They are to be
helped in every case where it will be for their benefit.
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Testimonies for the Church 6:262
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Testimonies for the Church 6:268
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Testimonies for the Church 6:277