Counsel To An Evangelist
Dear Brother,
...I have this message for you from the Lord: Be kind in speech,
gentle in action. Guard yourself carefully, for you are inclined to
be severe and dictatorial, and to say rash things. The Lord speaks
to you, saying, Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. Harsh
expressions grieve the Lord; unwise words do harm. I am charged to
say to you, Be gentle in your speech; watch well your words; let no
harshness come into your utterances or into your gestures. Bring into
all you do and say the fragrance of Christlikeness. Let not natural traits
of character mar and spoil your work. You are to help and strengthen
the tempted. Let not self appear in rash words. Christ has given His
life for the flock, and for all for whom you labor. Let no word of yours
balance souls in the wrong direction. In the minister of Christ there
must be revealed Christlikeness of character.
Rash, overbearing expressions do not harmonize with the sacred
work that Christ has given His ministers to do. When the daily experi-
ence is one of looking unto Jesus and learning of Him, you will reveal
a wholesome, harmonious character. Soften your representations, and
let not condemnatory words be spoken. Learn of the great Teacher.
Words of kindness and sympathy will do good as a medicine, and
will heal souls that are in despair. The knowledge of the word of God
brought into the practical life will have a healing, soothing power.
Harshness of speech will never bring blessing to yourself or to any
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other soul.
My brother, you are to be a representative of the mildness and
patience and goodness of Christ. In your talks before the public, let
your representations be after Christ’s order. “The wisdom that is from
above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated,
full of mercy and good fruits.” [
James 3:17
.] Watch and pray, and
subdue the harshness which at times breaks out in you. By the grace
of Christ dwelling in you, your words may become sanctified. If your
brethren do not act just as you think they should, do not meet them
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