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Christian Service
of the soul. Multitudes are so sunken in sin that they have lost the
sense of eternal realities, lost the similitude of God, and they hardly
know whether they have souls to be saved or not. They have neither
faith in God nor confidence in man. Many of these can be reached
only through acts of disinterested kindness. Their physical wants must
first be cared for. They must be fed, cleansed, and decently clothed.
As they see the evidence of your unselfish love, it will be easier for
them to believe in the love of Christ.
There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly.
They look upon their mistakes and errors until they are driven almost
to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. When one has to
swim against the stream, there is all the force of the current driving
him back. Let a helping hand then be held out to him as was the elder
Brother’s hand to the sinking Peter. Speak to him hopeful words that
will establish confidence and awaken love.—
Christ’s Object Lessons,
387
.
To the soul weary of a life of sin, but knowing not where to find
relief, present the compassionate Saviour. Take him by the hand, lift
him up, speak to him words of courage and hope. Help him to grasp
the hand of the Saviour.—
The Ministry of Healing, 168
.
[191]
Hospitality a Christian Duty
Our work in this world is to live for others’ good, to bless others,
to be hospitable; and frequently it may be only at some inconvenience
that we can entertain those who really need our care and the benefit
of our society and our homes. Some avoid these necessary burdens.
But some one must bear them; and because the brethren in general are
not lovers of hospitality, and do not share equally in these Christian
duties, a few who have willing hearts, and who cheerfully make the
cases of those who need help their own, are burdened.—
Testimonies
for the Church 2:645
.
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have
entertained angels unawares.” These words have lost none of their
force through the lapse of time. Our heavenly Father still continues to
place in the pathway of His children opportunities that are blessings
in disguise; and those who improve these opportunities find great
joy.—
Prophets and Kings, 132
.