Meeting Opposition
Our ministers and teachers are to represent the love of God to a
fallen world. With hearts melted in tenderness let the word of truth
be spoken. Let all who are in error be treated with the gentleness of
Christ. If those for whom you labor do not immediately grasp the
truth, do not censure, do not criticize or condemn. Remember that you
are to represent Christ in His meekness and gentleness and love.
We must expect to meet unbelief and opposition. The truth has
always had to contend with these elements. But though you should
meet the bitterest opposition, do not denounce your opponents. They
may think, as did Paul, that they are doing God service; and to such
we must manifest patience, meekness, and long-suffering.
Let us not feel that we have heavy trials to bear, severe conflicts
to endure, in representing unpopular truth. Think of Jesus and what
He has suffered for you, and be silent. Even when abused and falsely
accused, make no complaint; speak no word of murmuring; let no
thought of reproach or discontent enter your mind. Take a straightfor-
ward course, “having your conversation honest among the Gentiles:
that, whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your
good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visita-
tion.” [
1 Peter 2:12
.]
You should conduct yourself with meekness toward those who
are in error, for were not you yourself recently in blindness in your
sins? And because of the patience of Christ toward you, should you
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not be tender and patient toward others? God has given us many
admonitions to manifest great kindness toward those who oppose us,
lest we influence a soul in the wrong direction.
Our life must be hid with Christ in God. We must know Christ
personally. Then only can we rightly represent Him to the world.
Let the prayer constantly ascend, “Lord, teach me how to do as Jesus
would do, were He in my place.” Wherever we are, we must let our
light shine forth to the glory of God in good works. This is the great,
important interest of our life.
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