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The Desire of Ages
The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell
from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh
extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should
make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost
sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there
is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle,
in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then
whatever our profession, we are not Christians.
Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity, and He asks us
to become one with Him for the saving of humanity. “Freely ye have
received,” He says, “freely give.”
Matthew 10:8
. Sin is the greatest
of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. There are many
who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for
words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors,
until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to
neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side,
keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help.
When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or
through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me.
“Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meek-
ness.”
Galatians 6:1
. By faith and prayer press back the power of the
enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing
balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted
and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word
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of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never
should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him
of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.
All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law,—the prin-
ciple that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made
manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance
of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as our-
selves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and
love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the
statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that “the law
of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.”
Psalm 19:7
. And whoever
fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to
revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is
our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring