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Help for the Unemployed and the Homeless
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Hope and Courage
We can do nothing without courage and perseverance. Speak
words of hope and courage to the poor and the disheartened. If
need be, give tangible proof of your interest by helping them when
they come into strait places. Those who have had many advantages
should remember that they themselves still err in many things, and
that it is painful to them when their errors are pointed out and there
is held up before them a comely pattern of what they should be.
Remember that kindness will accomplish more than censure. As
you try to teach others, let them see that you wish them to reach
the highest standard, and that you are ready to give them help. If in
some things they fail, be not quick to condemn them.
Simplicity, self-denial, economy, lessons so essential for the poor
to learn, often seem to them difficult and unwelcome. The example
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and spirit of the world is constantly exciting and fostering pride, love
of display, self-indulgence, prodigality, and idleness. These evils
bring thousands to penury and prevent thousands more from rising
out of degradation and wretchedness. Christians are to encourage
the poor to resist these influences.
Jesus came to this world in humility. He was of lowly birth. The
Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, the Commander of all the
angel host, He humbled Himself to accept humanity, and then He
chose a life of poverty and humiliation. He had no opportunities
that the poor do not have. Toil, hardship, and privation were a part
of every day’s experience. “Foxes have holes,” He said, “and birds
of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His
head.”
Luke 9:58
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Jesus did not seek the admiration or the applause of men. He
commanded no army. He ruled no earthly kingdom. He did not
court the favor of the wealthy and honored of the world. He did not
claim a position among the leaders of the nation. He dwelt among
the lowly. He set at nought the artificial distinctions of society. The
aristocracy of birth, wealth, talent, learning, rank, He ignored.
He was the Prince of heaven, yet He did not choose His dis-
ciples from among the learned lawyers, the rulers, the scribes, or
the Pharisees. He passed these by, because they prided themselves
on their learning and position. They were fixed in their traditions