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The Ministry of Health and Healing
the treasure He could give, offering the woman something better
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than she possessed, even living water, the joy and hope of the gospel.
This is an illustration of the way in which we are to work. We
must offer people something better than that which they possess,
even the peace of Christ. We must tell them of God’s holy law,
the transcript of His character and an expression of that which He
wishes them to become. Show them how infinitely superior to the
fleeting joys and pleasures of the world is the imperishable glory of
heaven. Tell them of the freedom and rest to be found in the Savior.
“‘Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst,’”
He declared.
Verse 14
.
Lift up Jesus, like John, crying, “‘Behold! The Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the world!’”
John 1:29
. He alone can
satisfy the craving of the heart and give peace to the soul.
Reformers Should Reflect Christ
Of all people in the world, reformers should be the most un-
selfish, the most kind, the most courteous. The true goodness of
unselfish deeds should be seen in their lives. Workers who man-
ifest a lack of courtesy, who show impatience at the ignorance or
waywardness of others, who speak hastily or act thoughtlessly, may
close the door to hearts, making it impossible for the gospel to reach
them.
As the dew and the soft showers fall upon withering plants, so
let words fall gently when seeking to win people from error. God’s
plan for us is first to reach the heart. We are to speak the truth in
love, trusting in Him to give it power for reforming the life. The
Holy Spirit will apply to the soul the word that is spoken in love.
By nature we are self-centered and opinionated. But when we
learn the lessons that Christ desires to teach us, we become partakers
of His nature and live His life. The wonderful example of Christ,
the matchless tenderness with which He entered into the feelings
of others, weeping with those who wept, rejoicing with those who
rejoiced, must have a deep influence upon the character of all who
follow Him in sincerity. By kindly words and acts they will try to
make the path easy for weary feet.