Love and Kindness
133
Christian character afterward developed by those who receive the
truth. Instead of imitating Christ in His manner of labor, many are
severe, critical, and dictatorial. They repulse instead of winning souls.
Such will never know how many weak ones their harsh words have
wounded and discouraged.—
Evangelism, 168
.
Too Many Sermons—The sermons should come, not from a me-
chanical heart, but from a heart that is filled with the love of God,
and is subdued and softened by His grace; that when you speak the
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angels of God are enlisted on your side, and Christ is on your side,
and it is Christ that makes the impression. Now these things have been
neglected at our camp meetings. We have lost two-thirds of all that the
camp meetings were designed to accomplish. The idea seems to be
woven into the minds of some that all they have to do is to sermonize,
sermonize. While sermons are good in their place, there is sermon after
sermon given to the people that they cannot retain in their minds—it is
an impossibility for them to do it—and they are just wearied out with
sermons.—
Manuscript 19b, 1890
.
Ministers Shod With Gospel Shoes—Let every minister learn
to wear the gospel shoes. He who is shod with the preparation of
the gospel of peace will walk as Christ walked. He will be able to
speak right words, and to speak them in love. He will not try to
drive home God’s message of truth. He will deal tenderly with every
heart, realizing that the Spirit will impress the truth on those who
are susceptible to divine impressions. Never will he be vehement
in his manner. Every word spoken will have a softening, subduing
influence....
In speaking words of reproof, let us put all the Christlike tenderness
and love possible into the voice. The higher a minister’s position, the
more circumspect should he be in word and act.—
Evangelism, 174
.
Lasting Impressions Through Love—In His providence God
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impresses people to attend our tent meetings and church services.
Some come from curiosity, others to criticize or ridicule. Often they
are convicted of sin. The word spoken in the spirit of love makes a
lasting impression on them. How carefully, then, should these meetings
be conducted. The words spoken should be of authority, that the Holy
Spirit can impress them on minds. The speaker who is controlled by
the Spirit of God has a sacred dignity, and his words are a savor of life
unto life. Let not unsuitable illustrations or anecdotes be introduced