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for unkind remarks; but Jesus never did. He was pure, spotless, unde-
filed. Do not expect a better portion in this life than the Prince of glory
had. When your enemies see that they can make you feel hurt, they
will rejoice, and Satan will rejoice. Look to Jesus, and work with an
eye single to His glory. Keep your heart in the love of God
Feelings Alone Are Not an Indication of Sanctification
Happy feelings or the absence of joy is no evidence that a person
is or is not sanctified. There is no such thing as instantaneous sanctifi-
cation. True sanctification is a daily work, continuing as long as life
shall last. Those who are battling with daily temptations, overcoming
their own sinful tendencies, and seeking for holiness of heart and life,
make no boastful claims of holiness. They are hungering and thirsting
for righteousness. Sin appears to them exceedingly sinful
God does not give us up because of our sins. We may make
mistakes and grieve His Spirit, but when we repent and come to Him
with contrite hearts, He will not turn us away. There are hindrances
to be removed. Wrong feelings have been cherished, and there have
been pride, self-sufficiency, impatience, and murmurings. All these
separate us from God. Sins must be confessed; there must be a deeper
work of grace in the heart. Those who feel weak and discouraged may
become strong men of God and do noble work for the Master. But
they must work from a high standpoint; they must be influenced by no
selfish motives.
Some seem to feel that they must be on probation and must prove
to the Lord that they are reformed, before they can claim His blessing.
But these dear souls may claim the blessing even now. They must have
His grace, the Spirit of Christ, to help their infirmities, or they cannot
form a Christian character. Jesus loves to have us come to Him, just as
we are—sinful, helpless, dependent.
Repentance, as well as forgiveness, is the gift of God through
Christ. It is through the influence of the Holy Spirit that we are
convicted of sin, and feel our need of pardon. None but the contrite
are forgiven; but it is the grace of God that makes the heart penitent.
He is acquainted with all our weaknesses and infirmities, and He will
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Testimonies for the Church 8:128, 129
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The Sanctified Life, 10