Chapter 31—Hope and Encouragement
A Healing Balm—There are souls who err, and who feel their
shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement.
They look upon their mistakes and errors until they are almost driven
to desperation. Instead of ... reproving and condemning and taking
away the last ray of hope that the Sun of Righteousness sheds into their
hearts, let your words fall as healing balm upon the bruised soul. Be
not like desolating hail that beats down and destroys the tender hope
springing up in the hearts. Leave not the hungry, starving soul in his
helplessness to perish because you fail to speak words of tenderness
and encouragement.—
Our High Calling, 295
.
Encouragement for the Angels—Words of cheer and encourage-
ment spoken when the soul is sick and the pulse of courage is low—
these are regarded by the Saviour as if spoken to Himself. As hearts
are cheered, the heavenly angels look on in pleased recognition.—
The
Ministry of Healing, 159
.
Brave, Hopeful Words—There is many a brave soul sorely
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pressed by temptation, almost ready to faint in the conflict with self
and with the powers of evil. Do not discourage such a one in his hard
struggle. Cheer him with brave, hopeful words that shall urge him on
his way. Thus the light of Christ may shine from you. “None of us
liveth to himself.”
Romans 14:7
. By our unconscious influence others
may be encouraged and strengthened, or they may be discouraged and
repelled from Christ and the truth.—
Steps to Christ, 120
.
No Doubt nor Discouragement—Make it a rule never to utter
one word of doubt or discouragement. You can do much to brighten
the life of others and strengthen their efforts, by words of hope and
holy cheer.—
Steps to Christ, 119, 120
.
Nothing Cheap nor Common—Let us educate the tongue to
speak right words—words that will encourage and strengthen our fel-
low men. Let us talk of goodness, and mercy, and the love of God. Put
away all unbelieving words, and all that is cheap and common.—
The
Review and Herald, March 28, 1899
.
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