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Gospel Workers 1915
show the right spirit, this will exert a melting power on the heart of the
one he is trying to help.
In New Fields
In laboring in a new field, do not think it your duty to say at once
to the people, We are Seventh-day Adventists; we believe that the
seventh day is the Sabbath; we believe in the non-immortality of the
soul. This would often erect a formidable barrier between you and
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those you wish to reach. Speak to them, as you have opportunity, upon
points of doctrine on which you can agree. Dwell on the necessity
of practical godliness. Give them evidence that you are a Christian,
desiring peace, and that you love their souls. Let them see that you are
conscientious. Thus you will gain their confidence; and there will be
time enough for doctrines. Let the heart be won, the soil prepared, and
then sow the seed, presenting in love the truth as it is in Jesus.
God will surely help those who seek Him for wisdom. We are not
to wait until opportunities come to us; we are to seek for opportunities,
and we are to be ready always to give a reason for the hope that is in
us. If the worker keeps his heart uplifted in prayer, God will help him
to speak the right word at the right time.
* * * * *
In seeking to correct or reform others, we should be careful of our
words. They will be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death. In
giving reproof or counsel, many indulge in sharp, severe speech, words
not adapted to heal the wounded soul. By these ill-advised expressions
the spirit is chafed, and often the erring ones are stirred to rebellion.
All who would advocate the principles of truth need to receive
the heavenly oil of love. Under all circumstances reproof should be
spoken in love. Then our words will reform, but not exasperate. Christ
by His Holy Spirit will supply the force and the power. This is His
Work.
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