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Acts of Sympathy Open Doors, August 20
The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give
his life a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:28
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Many have no faith in God and have lost confidence in man. But they appre-
ciate acts of sympathy and helpfulness. As they see one with no inducement of
earthly praise or compensation coming to their homes to minister to the sick, to
feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, and comfort the sad, and ever tenderly point-
ing all to Him of whose love and pity the human worker is but the messenger—as
they see this, their hearts are touched. Gratitude springs up; faith is kindled. They
see that God cares for them, and they are prepared to listen to the teaching of His
Word.
Whether in foreign missions or in the home field, all missionaries, both men
and women, will gain much more ready access to the people, and will find their
usefulness greatly increased, if they are able to minister to the sick. Women who
go as missionaries to heathen lands may thus find opportunity for giving the gospel
to the women of those lands, when every other door of access is closed. All gospel
workers should know how to give the simple treatments that do so much to relieve
pain and remove disease.
Gospel workers should be able also to give instruction in the principles of
healthful living. There is sickness everywhere, and much of it might be prevented
by attention to the laws of health. The people need to see the bearing of health
principles upon their well-being, both for this life and for the life to come. They
need to be awakened to their responsibility for the human habitation fitted up by
their Creator as His dwelling place, and over which He desires them to be faithful
stewards.
Thousands need and would gladly receive instruction concerning the sim-
ple methods of treating the sick—methods that are taking the place of the use
of poisonous drugs. There is great need of instruction in regard to dietetic re-
form. Wrong habits of eating and use of unhealthful food are in no small degree
responsible for the intemperance and crime and wretchedness that curse the world.
In teaching health principles, keep before the mind the great object of reform—
that its purpose is to secure the highest development of body and mind and soul.
Show that the laws of nature, being the laws of God, are designed for our good;
that obedience to them promotes happiness in this life, and aids in the preparation
for the life to come.—
The Review and Herald, December 24, 1914
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