102
Gospel Workers 1915
Kind words are as dew and gentle showers to the soul. The Scrip-
ture says of Christ, that grace was poured into His lips, that He might
“know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.” [
Isaiah
50:4
.] And the Lord bids us, “Let your speech be alway with grace”
“that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” [
Colossians 4:6
;
Eph-
esians 4:29
.]
Some with whom you are brought in contact may be rough and
uncourteous, but do not, because of this, be less courteous yourself.
He who wishes to preserve his own self-respect must be careful not
to wound needlessly the self-respect of others. This rule should be
sacredly observed toward the dullest, the most blundering. What God
intends to do with these apparently unpromising ones, you do not
know. He has in the past accepted persons no more promising or
attractive to do a great work for Him. His Spirit, moving upon the
heart, has roused every faculty to vigorous action. The Lord saw in
these rough, unhewn stones precious material, which would stand the
test of storm and heat and pressure. God does not see as man sees. He
[123]
does not judge from appearances, but searches the heart and judges
righteously.
* * * * *
The Lord Jesus demands our acknowledgment of the rights of
every man. Men’s social rights, and their rights as Christians, are to
be taken into consideration. All are to be treated with refinement and
delicacy, as the sons and daughters of God.
Christianity will make a man a gentleman. Christ was courteous,
even to His persecutors; and His true followers will manifest the same
spirit. Look at Paul when brought before rulers. His speech before
Agrippa is an illustration of true courtesy as well as persuasive elo-
quence. The gospel does not encourage the formal politeness current
with the world, but the courtesy that springs from real kindness of
heart.
The most careful attention to the outward proprieties of life is not
sufficient to shut out all fretfulness, harsh judgment, and unbecoming
speech. True refinement will never be revealed so long as self is
considered as the supreme object. Love must dwell in the heart. A
thoroughgoing Christian draws his motives of action from his deep