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Speak Evil of No Man, September 26
Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences
come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
Matthew 18:7
.
Words of reproach react on one’s own soul. The training of the tongue should
begin with ourselves personally. Let us speak evil of no man.
“Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them
from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having
two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.”
There may be cherished by us certain wrong things that are seemingly as dear
as a hand or a foot. These things are to be put away from us forever. Never are
our peculiar, unsanctified ideas to be pressed upon others....
There is a great work to be done among church members. Many who are not
called upon to enter the public ministry may do much good in their home church
by speaking advisedly with their lips. The talent of speech should be used to
glorify God. Too often it is used to convey evil reports. This grieves away the
Holy Spirit. Let us remember that we have a Saviour who has bidden us [to] come
unto Him with all our burdens. He will give us peace of mind, and He, too, will
adjust that which to us seems so full of entangling difficulties. “Come unto me,”
He pleads, “all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” ...
Those who have indulged in words of complaint and criticism shall ... pledge
that henceforth, by the Lord’s help, they will not speak evil of their brethren and
sisters, but will take everything to God in prayer, and follow out the instruction
He has given regarding the pointing out of wrongs in our fellow men. Every
church member may in his daily conduct be so exemplary, so prudent and careful
in speech, so kind and compassionate, that he will be esteemed by all as one who
fears and loves God. Such a man will have an influence for good over all his
associates.
We are fallible, and have erred many times. Let us return to the Lord with
repentance and confession. As we assemble to participate in the ordinances of the
Lord’s house, let us make every wrong right, so far as lies in our power. When
bowing before a brother, washing his feet, ask yourself, “Have I aught in my
heart that separates me from this brother? Have I said or done anything that
estranges us?” If so, take it away by heartily confessing your sin. Thus heart will
be cemented to heart, and the blessing of God will be manifest.—
Manuscript 102,
1904
.
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