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Christ Acknowledged the Rights of Everyone, January 14
In every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted
with him.
Acts 10:35
.
The Lord Jesus demands our acknowledgment of the rights of every man.
Men’s social rights, and their rights as Christians, are to be taken into consideration.
All are to be treated with refinement and delicacy, as the sons and daughters of
God.
Christianity will make a man a gentleman. Christ was courteous, even to His
persecutors; and His true followers will manifest the same spirit. Look at Paul
when brought before rulers. His speech before Agrippa is an illustration of true
courtesy as well as persuasive eloquence. The gospel does not encourage the
formal politeness current with the world, but the courtesy that springs from real
kindness of heart.
The most careful attention to the outward proprieties of life is not sufficient to
shut out all fretfulness, harsh judgment, and unbecoming speech. True refinement
will never be revealed so long as self is considered the supreme object. Love
must dwell in the heart. A thoroughgoing Christian draws his motives of action
from his deep heartlove for the Master. Up through the roots of his affection for
Christ springs an unselfish interest in his brethren. Love imparts to its possessor
grace, propriety, and comeliness of deportment. It illuminates the countenance
and subdues the voice; it refines and elevates the entire being.—
Gospel Workers,
123
.
Some with whom you are brought in contact may be rough and uncourteous,
but do not, because of this, be less courteous yourself. He who wishes to preserve
his own self-respect must be careful not to wound needlessly the self-respect
of others. This rule should be sacredly observed toward the dullest, the most
blundering. What God intends to do with these apparently unpromising ones, you
do not know. He has in the past accepted persons no more promising or attractive
to do a great work for Him. His Spirit, moving upon the heart, has roused every
faculty to vigorous action. The Lord saw in these rough, unhewn stones precious
material, which would stand the test of storm and heat and pressure.—
Gospel
Workers, 122
.
Be polite to those with whom you come in contact; thus you will be polite
to God. Praise Him for His goodness. Thus you are witnesses for Him, and you
are preparing for the society of the angels. You are learning in this world how to
conduct yourselves in the family of Christ in heaven.—
Manuscript 31, 1903
.
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