Living With Others
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disappointment. Jesus lives as our advocate. All is ours that His
mediation secures.
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Think you not that Christ values those who live wholly for Him?
Think you not that He visits those who, like the beloved John in exile,
are for His sake in hard and trying places? God will not suffer one of
His truehearted workers to be left alone, to struggle against great odds
and be overcome. He preserves as a precious jewel everyone whose
life is hid with Christ in Him. Of every such one He says: “I ... will
make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee.”
Haggai 2:23
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Then talk of the promises; talk of Jesus’ willingness to bless. He
does not forget us for one brief moment. When, notwithstanding
disagreeable circumstances, we rest confidingly in His love, and shut
ourselves in with Him, the sense of His presence will inspire a deep,
tranquil joy. Of Himself Christ said: “I do nothing of Myself; but as
My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me
is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those
things that please Him.”
John 8:28, 29
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The Father’s presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but
that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here
was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with
the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. Whatever comes to him comes
from the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Nothing
can touch him except by the Lord’s permission. All our sufferings
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and sorrows, all our temptations and trials, all our sadness and griefs,
all our persecutions and privations, in short, all things work together
for our good. All experiences and circumstances are God’s workmen
whereby good is brought to us.
Speak No Evil
If we have a sense of the long-suffering of God toward us, we
shall not be found judging or accusing others. When Christ was living
on the earth, how surprised His associates would have been, if, after
becoming acquainted with Him, they had heard Him speak one word
of accusation, of fault-finding, or of impatience. Let us never forget
that those who love Him are to represent Him in character.
“Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in
honor preferring one another.” “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing