Qualifications for Successful Christian Service
235
must arm themselves with watchfulness and prayers, and move forward
with faith and courage, working always in the name of Jesus.—
The
Acts of the Apostles, 230
.
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Gentleness
The spirit that is kept gentle under provocation will speak more
effectively in favor of the truth than will any argument, however
forcible.—
The Desire of Ages, 353
.
As the dew and the still showers fall upon the withering plants, so
let words fall gently when seeking to win men from error. God’s plan
is first to reach the heart. We are to speak the truth in love, trusting in
Him to give it power for the reforming of the life. The Holy Spirit will
apply to the soul the word that is spoken in love.—
The Ministry of
Healing, 157
.
A tender spirit, a gentle, winning deportment, may save the erring,
and hide a multitude of sins. The revelation of Christ in your own
character will have a transforming power upon all with whom you
come in contact. Let Christ be daily made manifest in you, and He
will reveal through you the creative energy of His words,—a gentle,
persuasive, yet mighty influence to re-create other souls in the beauty
of the Lord our God.—
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 129
.
Impartiality
So long as he lived among men, our Saviour shared the lot of the
poor. He knew by experience their cares and hardships, and He could
comfort and encourage all humble workers. Those who have a true
conception of the teaching of His life, will never feel that a distinction
must be made between classes, that the rich are to be honored above
the worthy poor.—
The Desire of Ages, 73
.
When you turn from those who seem unpromising and unattractive,
do you realize that you are neglecting the souls for whom Christ is
seeking? At the very time when you turn from them, they may be in
the greatest need of your compassion. In every assembly for worship,
there are souls longing for rest and peace. They may appear to be
living careless lives, but they are not insensible to the influence of the