Chapter 13—Love, Sympathy, and Kindness
Tact, Not Severity—The Saviour never suppressed the truth, but
He uttered it always in love. In His intercourse with others, He exer-
cised the greatest tact, and He was always kind and thoughtful. He was
never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave unneces-
sary pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He
fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity, but tears were
in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes. He never made truth
cruel, but ever manifested a deep tenderness for humanity.—
Gospel
Workers, 117
.
Words Like a Balm—Multitudes who were not interested in the
harangues of the rabbis were attracted by His teaching. They could
understand His words, and their hearts were warmed and comforted.
He spoke of God, not as an avenging judge, but as a tender father, and
He revealed the image of God as mirrored in Himself. His words were
like balm to the wounded spirit. Both by His words and by His works
of mercy He was breaking the oppressive power of the old traditions
and man-made commandments, and presenting the love of God in its
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exhaustless fullness.—
The Desire of Ages, 205
.
Sympathy in Both Speaking and Listening—The life of Christ
was filled with words and acts of benevolence, sympathy, and love. He
was ever attentive to listen to and relieve the woes of those who came
to Him. Multitudes carried in their own persons the evidence of His
divine power. Yet after the work had been accomplished, many were
ashamed of the humble yet mighty Teacher. Because the rulers did not
believe on Him, the people were not willing to accept Jesus. He was a
man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. They could not endure to
be governed by His sober, self-denying life. They wished to enjoy the
honor which the world bestows. Yet many followed the Son of God
and listened to His instructions, feasting upon the words which fell so
graciously from His lips. His words were full of meaning, yet so plain
that the weakest could understand them.—
Early Writings, 160
.
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