1 Corinthians ch. 13 KJV
Some say this is the,"love," chapter, but I submit to you that this is the chapter that defines what love truely is and who God truely is and what a TRUE friend is, see for yourself:
1)Though I with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbol.
2)And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand allmysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I can remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3)And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4)Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5)Doth not behave itself unseemingly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6)Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7)Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8)Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9)For we know in part, and we prophecy in part.
10)But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11)When I was a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12)For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13)And now abideth faith, hope, charitythese three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Do you see what I mean? Do not test others according to the Bible but rather yourself do you correspond to the principles of what you just read? But by how you present yourself (what you do and say)to others will you teach them.
2Timothy 2:
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
(Also, about profanity--cussing \/ )
16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
Catching wild pigs.
There was a Chemistry professor in a large
college that had some Exchange students in the
class. One day while the class was in the lab the
Prof noticed one young man (exchange student) who
kept rubbing his back and stretching as if his back
hurt.
The professor asked the young man what was the
matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged
in his back. He had been shot while fighting
communists in his native country who were trying to
overthrow his country's government and install a new
communist government.
In the midst of his story he looked at the
professor and asked a strange question. He asked, '
Do you know how to catch wild pigs?' The professor
thought it was a joke and asked for the punch line.
The young man said this was no joke. 'You catch
wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods
and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and
begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When
they are used to coming every day, you put a fence
down one side of the place where they are used to
coming. When they get used to the fence, they begin
to eat the corn again and you put up another side of
the fence. They get used to that and start to eat
again. You continue until you have all four sides of
the fence up with a gate in the last side. By now
the pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to
come through the gate to eat, you slam the gate on
them and catch the whole herd.
Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom.
They run around and around inside the fence, but
they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the
free corn. They are so used to it that they have
forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves,
so they accept their captivity.
The young man then told the professor that is
exactly what he sees happening to America . The
government keeps pushing us toward
Communism/Socialism and keeps spreading the free
corn out in the form of programs such as
supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income,
tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to
plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc.
while we continually lose our freedoms- just a
little at a time.
One should always remember 'There is no such
thing as a free Lunch!' Also, You can never hire
someone to provide a service for you cheaper than
you can do it yourself.
Also, if you see that all of this wonderful
government 'help' is a problem confronting the
future of democracy in America , you might want to
send this on to your friends. If you think the free
ride is essential to your way of life then you will
probably delete this email, but God help us when the
gate slams shut!
Changing history.
SHALL WE HIRE A MONUMENT ENGRAVER TO GO TO ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY AND
ADD THE MISSING WORDS ?
A MESSAGE FROM AN APPALLED OBSERVER:
Today I went to visit the new World War II Memorial in Washington , DC . I got an unexpected history lesson. Because I'm a baby boomer, I was one of the youngest in the crowd. Most were the age of my parents, veterans of "the greatest war," with their families. It was a beautiful day, and people were smiling and happy to be there. Hundreds of us milled around the memorial, reading the inspiring words of Eisenhower and Truman that are engraved there.
On the Pacific side of the memorial, a group of us gathered to read the words President Roosevelt used to announce the attack on Pearl Harbor:
Yesterday, December 7, 1941-- a date which will live in infamy--the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked.
One elderly woman read the words aloud:
With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph.
But as she read, she suddenly turned angry. "Wait a minute," she said, "they left out the end of the quote. They left out the most important part. Roosevelt ended the message with "so help us God.'" Her husband said, "You are probably right. We're not supposed to say things like that now."
"I know I'm right," she insisted. "I remember the speech." The two looked
dismayed, shook their heads sadly and walked away.
Listening to their conversation, I thought to myself, "Well, it has been over 50 years. She's probably forgotten." But she had not forgotten. She was right.
I went home and pulled out the book my book club is reading --- "Flags of Our Fathers" by James Bradley. It's all about the battle at Iwo Jima . I haven't gotten too far in the book. It's tough to read because it's a graphic description of the WWII battles in the Pacific.
But, right there it was on page 58. Roosevelt 's speech to the nation ends in "so help us God."
The people who edited out that part of the speech when they engraved it on the memorial could have fooled me. I was born after the war. But they couldn't fool the people who were there. Roosevelt 's words are engraved in their hearts.
Now I ask:
WHO GAVE THEM THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE WORDS OF HISTORY??
Send this around to your friends People need to know before everyone forgets. People today are trying to change the history of America by leaving God out of it, but the truth is, God has been a part of this nation, since the beginning. He still wants to be... and He always will be!
If you agree, pass this on. If not, MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
-Taking God out of the equation is the start to catching wild pigs.
About 1John 4:2-3
“But in these days of peril we are not to accept everything thatmen bring to us as truth. As professed teachers from God come to us declaring that they have a message from God, it is proper to inquire carefully, How do we know that this is truth? Jesus has told us that" false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many." But we need not be deceived; for the word of God gives us a test whereby we may know what is truth. The prophet says, ‘To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.’
Restrain your children!!!
Restrain your children especially in the sanctuary:
1 Samuel 3:12-14 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering forever.
His entire household was forever cut off, doomed for eternity. All because his children were not disciplined.
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Proverbs 23:13-14 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Malachi 3:6 For I am the Lord, I change not...
If He never changes then that must mean He is still as serious with this as He was then.
Let's get real it is not saying to take a baseball bat and whack him over the head when the verse says "beat" it is best to use a switch the difference between this and everything else is that the switch leaves no whelps or bruising and the sting lasts so the remembrance also lasts and strengthens deterrence so as he will think before he acts and twice before ever doing it again.
Once saved always saved?
The once saved always saved theory I find to be false. Yes Christ has said in John 10:28-29 And I give unto them erternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me,is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
This means that if you are following our Lord and saviour then whatever men shall do or say can in no wise affect your salvation see the paragraph titled " Proverbs 26:2-As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come." in Alpha-1's page. However christ said that no one else can pluck them out of my hand BUT we have the choice to jump ship so to say ourselves. Here are a couple of examples: Look at King Saul 1 Samuel 9:16; 10:6-9 Saul was annointed with oil the symbol of the Holy Spirit he even prophesied and God was with him vs.6-7. He was saved. Now look at 1 Samuel 16:14 But the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. On knowing about "the evil spirit of the Lord" see the paragraph titled: ...to heed the still small voice. on the page "I have found..." 1 Samuel 31:4 Saul fell on his sword (suicide).
Also another example: 1 Samuel 12-14 Eli was a priest and he ministered daily the priesthood in the sanctuary. It is said that the priest wore bells on him because if a priest does not purify himself before entering the sanctuary he would fall over dead and with a long pole and a hook attached would drag the body out, so at that point he had his salvation. For more on him see the above paragraph.
It is called free will, God cannot force obedience it is our choice and many people find salvation and then at some point they choose to loose it. That is why Christ said in Matthew 7:14 Because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. They find the way and salvation but like the seeds not sown on good soil they soon lose it for some reason or another.
"One Thing Thou Lackest"
"One Thing Thou Lackest"
This compilation has been put together by a friend of ours, we agree to these words but they are not ours.[All emphasis supplied by the compiler]
"And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running,and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I
may inherit eternal life?
"And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God.
"Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not
kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy
father and mother.
"And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I
observed from my youth.
"Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing
thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the
poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the
cross, and follow me.
"And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had
great possessions." Mark 10:17-22
"One thing thou lackest,’ Jesus said. ‘If thou wilt be perfect, go
and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have
treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.’ Christ read the ruler's
heart. Only one thing he lacked, but that was a vital principle. He
needed the love of God in the soul. This lack, unless supplied, would
prove fatal to him; his whole nature would become corrupted. By
indulgence, selfishness would strengthen. That he might receive the
love of God, his supreme love of self must be surrendered." The Desire of Ages pg. 519
"Young and old, God is now testing you. You are deciding your own
eternal destiny. Your pride, your vain and empty conversation, your
selfishness, are all put in the scale, and in many cases the weight of
evil is fearfully against you. While evil is increasing and taking deep
root, it is choking the good seed which has been sown in the heart.
Many are flattering themselves that they are good Christians who have
not a single ray of light from Jesus. They know not what it is to have
the heart renewed by grace. They have no living experience for
themselves in the things of God." Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 09-09-84
"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Matthew 24:12
"I have been shown that we live amid the perils of the last days.
Because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. The word ‘many’
refers to the professed followers of Christ. They are affected by the
prevailing iniquity and backslide from God, but it is not necessary
that they should be thus affected. The cause of this declension is that
they do not stand clear from this iniquity. The fact that their love to
God is waxing cold because iniquity abounds shows that they are, in
some sense, partakers in this iniquity, or it would not affect their
love for God and their zeal and fervor in His cause." Testimonies for the Church Vol. 2, pg. 346
"The Master, in the reckoning day, will not ask, How much have you known? or professed?, or talked? but, How much have you loved? and where was your heart? Was it above, or beneath? A heart set upon Heaven is a heart set upon God. Learning is no proof of the grace of God in the heart. If the affections and heart are upon earth's treasure, they are constantly tempting the Devil to tempt them. The heart that is earnestly seeking and contemplating heavenly things, is fortified against lustful ambitions and worldly desires." Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 03-29-70
Heart Examination Is Vital
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own
selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you,
except ye be reprobates?" 2 Corinthians 13:5
"But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of [that] bread, and drink of [that] cup." 1 Corinthians 11:28
"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart." Psalm 26:2
"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
"And see if [there be any] wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23,24
"Our people individually must understand Bible truth morethoroughly, for they certainly will be called before councils; they
will be criticised by keen and critical minds. It is one thing to give
assent to the truth, and another thing, through close examination as
Bible students, to know what is truth." 1888 Materials pg. 39
"I have been instructed that many go forth to preach who do not
know how to labor for the salvation of sinners. They are not themselves
consecrated to God. They need to be converted. Many have been dedicated
to the sacred work of the ministry when, if close examination were made
in regard to their religious experience, it would be seen that they
need to seek most earnestly for the transforming grace of Jesus Christ
before they can teach sinners how to seek in faith for pardon." 1888 Materials pg. 142
"The influence of the Spirit upon the human mind will regulate it
after the divine order. But the Spirit does not work in a manner and
power beyond the human agent's power of resistance. A man may refuse to
hear the counsels and admonitions of God. He may choose to take the
regulating of his conduct into his own hands; but when he does this, he
is not made a vessel unto honor. Like Moab, he refuses to be changed,
emptied from vessel to vessel, and therefore his taste remaineth in
him, and his scent is not changed. [See Jer. 48:11.] He refuses to
correct his defective traits of character although the Lord has plainly
pointed out his work, his privileges, his opportunities, and the
advancement to be made. It is too much trouble to break up his old ways
and transform his ideas and methods. ‘His scent is not changed.’ He
clings to his defects, and is thus unfitted for the sacred work of the
ministry. He was not willing to make a close examination of himself, or
to closely inquire for light to shine upon him in a clear, distinct
manner. His prayers have not ascended to God in humility, while with
humble endeavor he sought to live his prayers by understanding and
performing his duty." Manuscript Releases Vol. 19, pg. 25
"For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
"But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." Galatians 6:3,4
"It is a fearful, solemn time. The hope of eternal life should not
be cherished upon slight grounds; it should be settled between God and
our own souls. Some will lean upon the judgment and experience of
others, rather than be at the trouble of a close examination of their
own hearts; and thus pass along for months and years without any
witness of the Spirit of God, or evidence of their acceptance. Such are
deceiving themselves. They suppose they have a hope, but lack the
essential qualifications of a Christian." The Signs of the Times 02-19-80
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore,
and repent." Has there been a departure from God? then there must be a
returning unto him; there must be a doing of the first works; there
must be a close examination of the life. The state of the character
must be compared with the great moral standard of righteousness. There
must be a searching out of the peculiar sins which have been offensive
to God, which have dishonored his name, and quenched the light of his
Spirit, and killed the first love from the soul. Whether it has been
pride, sensuality, or turning the grace of Christ into lasciviousness,
it must be thoroughly repented of, and forsaken." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 07-24-88
"Let there be a close examination of self. Do not seek to hide
yourselves under your citizen's dress, saying that you are doing as
others do, and therefore you can not be far out of the way. Yes; you
may do as others have done. But is the experience of those who have
left the Lord something that you wish to gain? And if, with their
experience before you, you walk contrary to the way of the Lord, and
are punished, whom have you to blame but yourselves?" Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 09-24-03
The Greatest Evidence We Are Abiding In The Vine
"By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have
love one to another." John 13:35
"In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the
devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that
loveth not his brother.
"For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we
should love one another." 1 John 3:10,11
"And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment." 1 John 3:23
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every
one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." 1 John 4:7
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God
dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us." 1 John 4:11,12
"But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you:
for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another." 1 Thessalonians 4:9
"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through
the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one
another with a pure heart fervently:"
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible,
by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." 1 Peter 1:22,23
"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth
another hath fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8
"He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in
darkness even until now." 1 John 2:9
"We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love
the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death." 1 John 3:14
"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar:
for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love
God whom he hath not seen?" 1 John 4:20
"Christ prayed that his disciples should be one as he and the Father are one. We should seek to be one in spirit and in understanding. We should seek to be one that God may be glorified in us as he was glorified in the Son, and God will love us as he loves his Son. But can God love us as he loves his Son when we quibble and find fault with the truth because it does not agree with our opinions, and for fear we shall understand something as our brother understands it, and so come into harmony with him? God designs that his children shall be one. If this unity did but exist, it would speak to the world of the power of God manifested in his children. Christ has said: ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.’ If this unity existed, we should bear to the world our divine credentials; Christ would be represented by his children; Christ would be speaking through us to men, and we should carry an atmosphere about us that would breathe of heaven. We should not only be gathering light, but also diffusing light, constantly flashing new rays of glory among the churches." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 03-04-90"When the people of God love God with all the heart, they will love each other." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 09-30-90
"We are to follow the example set by Christ, and make him our
pattern, until we shall have the same love for others as he has
manifested for us. He seeks to impress us with this profound lesson of
love. Will the Instructor family most earnestly seek to practice the
words of Christ? If your hearts have been given to selfishness, let
Christ imbue you with his love. He desires that we shall love him
fully, and encourages, yes, even commands, that we shall love others as
he has given us an example. He has made love the badge of our
discipleship. He says, ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love
one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By
this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one
to another.’ This is the measurement to which you are to reach,--‘Love
one another; as I have loved you.’ What height, what depth and breadth,
of love! This love is not simply to embrace a few favorites, it is to
reach to the lowliest and humblest of God's creatures. Jesus says,
‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my
brethren, ye have done it unto me." The Youth’s Instructor 10-20-92
"If the first commandments are loyally observed, the other six,
which define the duty of man to his fellow-man, will be as faithfully
observed. When God has his rightful place on the throne of the heart
the duties assigned in the last six commandments will be performed as
there directed. Love to God comprehends love for those who are formed
in his own image. ‘If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he
is a liar. For he that loveth not his brother, whom he hath seen, how
can he love God, whom he hath not seen?’ Thus Christ taught that the
last six commandments are like unto the first. The two commandments
which he indicated are two great principles springing from one root.
The first cannot be kept and the second broken, nor the second kept
while the first is broken." The Spirit of Prophecy Vol. 3, pg. 52
"Would it not be the safer plan, my brethren and sisters, to keep
the commandments of God in the spirit and in the letter? Obedience to
the first four, in which is enjoined supreme love for God, will lead us
to love our neighbor as ourselves; ‘for he that loveth not his brother
whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?’ It is
because so many members of the church do not bring the commandments of
God into the daily life that there is so little of the love of God
manifested one toward another. And the absence of this love makes the
church weak and inefficient." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 11-17-96
"We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God,
and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his
brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
and this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his
brother also.’ The will of God is expressed in these words in a most
decided manner, and the question is, Are we obeying the voice of God to
the very letter? We can never attain perfection of character if we do
not hear the voice of God and obey his counsel. This instruction does
not apply simply to those who have had no trials to meet which would
create dislike to their brethren; but it applies to those who have been
injured, who have suffered from financial wrong, from reproach and
criticism, from misapprehension and misjudgment. These must not allow
hatred to enter the heart, or permit unkind feelings to arise when they
look upon those who have injured them." The Youth’s Instructor 01-13-98
Love Between Brethren Practically Demonstrated
"Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not;
charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
"Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not
easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
"Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
"Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things,
endureth all things." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
"Take the question to your own hearts, and answer it as if before
the Judge of all the earth. A reformation must take place in every
family, in every institution, in every church. ‘Let us not love in
word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.’ ‘Let us love one
another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God,
and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. .
. . Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and
sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so
loved us, we ought also to love one another. . . . If a man say, I love
God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his
brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his
brother also.’ ‘If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his
love is perfected in us.’
"These sacred lessons, if received into the heart, will bring about the reformation essential. Many will lose heaven unless they change their selfish, unlovable, unsympathetic ways, and learn that the Spirit of Christ is not selfish and forbidding, uncourteous and loveless. Unless those who stand in responsible positions in our institutions make decided changes in heart and character, they will be condemned as lukewarm, knowing not that they are ‘wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.’ Unless we practice Christ's ways, and receive his Spirit, we are none of his. He desires us to reveal his love in word and action. All that we do should flow from a deep, abiding principle of love,--a principle that is after the similitude of Christ, who is love and light and peace. But how little, how very little, of Christ's character is revealed! The spirit of self-denial is becoming a rare thing." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 04-03-00
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
"Meekness, temperance; against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23
Courteousness
"There is no fretfulness seen in the home if Christ is the peace
principle exercised in your soul. There is no uncourteousness there.
There is no roughness or sharp speech there. Why? Because we believe
and act out that we are members of the Royal Family, children of the
Heavenly King, bound to Jesus Christ by the strongest tie of love--that
love which works by faith and purifies the soul." Talks and Sermons Vol. 1, pg. 197
"The grace of Christ received in the soul will work as an educator. The trust received in the heart will purify the soul. The religion of Jesus Christ never makes the receiver coarse and rough and uncourteous. Truth is delicate and elevating. It acts as a refiner. It sanctifies the soul. The constant influence of truth trains the soul after Christ's pattern, and molds and fashions the character for the courts above. It is a grand principle which must be brought into the daily practical life." Talks and Sermons Vol. 1, pg. 299
"Those who work for Christ are to be pure, upright, and trustworthy, and they are also to be tenderhearted, compassionate, and
courteous. There is a charm in the intercourse of those who are truly
courteous. Kind words, pleasant looks, a courteous demeanor, are of
inestimable value. Uncourteous Christians, by their neglect of others,
show that they are not in union with Christ. It is impossible to be in
union with Christ and yet be uncourteous." Manuscript Releases Vol. 2, pg. 109
"Some with whom you are brought in contact will be rough and
uncourteous, but because of this, do not be less courteous yourself. He
who wishes to preserve his own self-respect must be careful not to
wound needlessly the self-respect of others. This rule should be
sacredly observed toward the dullest, the most blundering. What God
intends to do with these apparently unpromising ones, you do not know.
He has in the past accepted persons no more promising or attractive to
do a great work for Him. His Spirit, moving upon the heart, has aroused
every faculty to vigorous action. The Lord saw in those rough, unhewn
stones, precious material, that would stand the test of storm and heat
and pressure. God sees not as man sees. He does not judge from
appearances, but He searches the heart, and judges righteously." Manuscript Releases Vol. 2, pg. 112
"Why should not believers love one another? It is impossible to
love Christ and at the same time act uncourteously toward one another.
It is impossible to have the Christ-love in the heart, and at the same
time draw apart from one another, showing no love or sympathy. The more
love we have for Christ, the more love we will have for one another." Manuscripts Releases Vol. 10, pg. 145
"There is a larger number who profess to believe the truth for this time, who are represented as hearing the sayings of Christ and doing them not, than of those who diligently hear and are doers of His words. They do not endure temptation, because their souls are not riveted to the eternal Rock. They are hearers and not doers of the word. Their religious faith is represented by the house built on the sand. The storms of temptation come and it falls, because it is not built upon the Rock.
"We all know better than to do as we have done. There is no excuse
for this unchristlike spirit. If Christ were abiding in the soul we
could not but reveal Christ's forbearance, Christ's courtesy, and the
love of Christ. All this hard, unkind, uncourteous spirit manifested
toward brethren is registered in the books of heaven as manifested
toward Jesus Christ, for He identifies His interest with that of His
brethren. ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these
my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ Matt. 25:40." 1888 Materials pg. 181
"The power of God upon the natural heart, after having wrought its
hidden work in renovating the soul through the truth received in love,
will manifest its transforming power in the external life, softening,
subduing, and elevating the possessor. Here the [people of the] world
have a problem that they cannot work out from natural causes. The power
of Christian faith they can assign as the cause for the great change in
the character, but the religion of Christ can never gain its full
conquest while the subject of it continues coarse and rough, sour and
uncourteous. We lose much, very much, by lack of love for our brethren
and sisters. Our ministering brethren--by their unity, their steadfast
love, their delicacy in dealing with their brethren, firmly sustaining
one another, their forbearance and sympathy and tender compassion for
each other--can give to the churches an example that will rightly
represent the life of our Redeemer." Manuscript Releases Vol. 19, pg. 15
"The whole scheme of mercy is to soften down what is harsh in
temper, and refine whatever is rugged in the deportment. The internal
change reveals itself in the external actions. The graces of the Spirit
of God work with hidden power in the transformation of character. The
religion of Christ never will reveal a sour, coarse, and uncourteous
action. Courtesy is a Bible virtue. The virtue of this grace of
brotherly kindness characterized the life of Christ. Never was such
courtesy exhibited upon the earth as Christ revealed, and we cannot
overestimate its value." Manuscript Releases Vol. 19, pg. 349
Kindness
"Our speech should be without deception. No guile must be found in our lips, no impurity allowed in our hearts, no unkindliness in our speech or in our attitude toward one another. Learn the language of Canaan here, which will be in harmony with the language of heaven. In this commencement of the new year, cultivate grace and love and a deep interest in spiritual things. Shall we not have the love of God burning upon the altar of our hearts? And shall not our thanksgiving go forth from unfeigned lips?" Manuscript Releases Vol. 12, pg. 84
"God has not committed to any finite man the work of judging
others, for man's judgment would be biased by his peculiar traits of
character. Neither had He laid it upon any man to bind the conscience
of another, or to pass judgment upon His holy Word, defining what is
inspired and what is human. Unless sanctified, soul, body, and spirit,
man will be in danger of manifesting an unkindly spirit toward his
brother who does not agree with his ideas. There is no such narrowness
with God." Manuscript Releases Vol. 12, pg. 373
"Cling close to your Bible, for its sacred truths can purify,
ennoble, and sanctify the soul. You must hold the truth and teach it as
it is in Jesus, else it is of no value to you. Before the light of
God's truth let human opinions and ideas and human wisdom appear as
they are in the sight of God--as foolishness. Let no man feel that his
position as president, either of the General Conference or of a State
conference, clothes him with a power over the consciences of others
that is the least degree oppressive, for God will not sanction anything
of this kind. He must respect the rights of all, and all the more
because he is in a position where others will pattern after him. Your
position binds you under the most sacred obligations to be very careful
what kind of spirit you entertain towards your brethren. They are
acting a part in God's cause as well as yourself. Will not God teach
them and guide them as well as yourself? You are not even to allow
yourself to think unkindly of them, much less to climb upon the
judgment seat and censure or condemn your brethren, when you may be
yourself, in many respects, more deserving of censure than they. Your
work is bearing the inspection of God." Manuscript Releases Vol. 12, pg. 376
"We are never to forget that we are representatives of Christ. We
are to use no carnal weapons when unbelieving and deluded souls come
among us. We are not even to insinuate anything against those who shall
come into our assemblies. Not an unkind or discourteous word, defensive
or offensive, should escape our lips or be traced by our pen. When
reviled, we are not to revile again. ‘This is the victory that
overcometh the world, even our faith." Manuscript Releases Vol. 13, pg. 314
"But there is a class in the church who are a living contradiction of the name Christian--a class that have ruled at home with a sharp, dictatorial, unchristian spirit. Their ideas and opinions must bear sway; their hearts are filled with selfishness; they are constantly exalting self and finding fault with others who are better than themselves. They pass censure and harsh judgment upon others, while their own course appears right in their own eyes. They put their hands to a work which God has not given them, but leave undone the work he has left for them to do, which is to take heed to themselves lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble the church and defile it.
"They turn their eyes outward to watch lest the character of others should not be right, when their eyes should be turned inward to scan and criticize their own actions, testing their feelings and motives by the law of God, the only standard of right, and emptying from the heart love of self, envy, evil surmising, jealousy, malice, unkindness, and self-esteem. When they do this, they will not be climbing upon the judgment seat and pronouncing sentence upon others who are in God's sight better than they. The simple reason of all the difficulty is, their religious life is not well built; there is not underlying godliness based on Jesus Christ; and the first gale of temptation sweeps their foundation from under them. This has caused all the difficulties in the church. . . .Manuscript Releases Vol. 15, pg. 135,136
"Every unkind criticism of others, every thought of self-esteem, is ‘the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity.’ This lifting up of self in pride, as if you were faultless, and magnifying the faults of others, is offensive to God. It is breaking His law, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ ‘Be kindly affectioned one toward
another.’ We have no right to withdraw our confidence from a brother
because of some evil report, some accusation or supposition of wrong.
Frequently the report is made by those who are at enmity with God,
those who are doing the enemy's work as accusers of the brethren." Manuscript Releases Vol. 15, pg. 175
"God will not vindicate any who, in associating with opposers to
our faith or with our own brethren, manifest toward them a harsh,
denunciatory spirit. Those who do this may appear to have a zeal for
the truth, but it is not according to knowledge. To be unkind and
denunciatory, and to entertain evil thoughts and harsh, severe
judgments, is never the fruit of that wisdom which is from above, but
it is the sure fruit of an unsanctified ambition, such as caused the
condemnation of Jesus." Manuscript Releases Vol. 15, pg. 180
"Will those whose names are upon the church books, who claim to be
sons and daughters of God, consider their relation to God and to their
fellow men? While we must depend so entirely upon the mercy of a sin-pardoning Saviour, shall our hearts remain hard and unsympathizing? Can
any provocation authorize unkind feelings, or should it cause us to
harbor resentment or seek revenge? Can we cast the first stone in
condemnation of a brother when God is extending His mercy to us and
forgiving our trespasses against Him? Should God enter into judgment
with us our debt would be found to be immense, yet our heavenly Father
forgives us our debt. Men will be dealt with by God, not according to
their opinion of themselves, nor according to their self-confidence,
but according to the spirit they reveal toward their erring brethren. A
spirit of harshness and severity is the spirit of Satan." Manuscript Releases Vol. 15, pg. 189
"We must know more of Jesus and his love than of the fashions of
the world. In the name of my Master, I call upon the youth to study the
example of Christ. When you wish to make an article, you carefully
study the pattern, that you may reproduce it as nearly as possible. Now
set to work to copy the Divine Exemplar. Your eternal interest demands
that you possess the Spirit of Christ. You cannot be like Jesus, and
cherish pride in your heart. You cannot give any place to envy or
jealousy. You must consider it beneath the character of a Christian to
harbor resentful thoughts or indulge in recrimination. Let the law of
kindness be sacredly observed. Never comment upon the character or the
acts of others in a manner to injure them. In no case make their
failures or defects the subject of ridicule or unkind criticism. You
lessen your own influence by so doing, and lead others to doubt your
sincerity as a Christian. Let peace and love dwell in your soul, and
ever cherish a forgiving spirit." Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 12-06-81
"The burden of my message was an admonition to the church to be pitiful, courteous, kind, and compassionate, to love one another as Christ had loved them. I urged them to put away their unkind thoughts toward their brethren, to cease talking of the faults and errors of others, and to search carefully their own hearts, correct their own defects of character, and purify their own souls by obedience to the truth. I entreated all to cherish a forgiving, Christlike tenderness for one another, and to guard the reputation of their brethren, remembering that the tongue is an unruly member, which, if not sanctified, if not restrained, may do great injury to those whom God loves and whom he is using to do his work." Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 11-06-83
"Integrity, justice, and Christian kindness, blended, make a
beautiful combination. Courtesy is one of the graces of the Spirit. It
is an attribute of heaven. The angels never fly into a passion, never
are envious, selfish, and jealous. No harsh or unkind words escape
their lips. And if we are to be the companions of angels, we too must
be refined and courteous. And we have none too much time to change our
wrong habits, reform our defective characters, and obtain a fitness for
the society of those with whom we expect to associate not long hence.
All harshness and severity, coarseness and unkindness, must be overcome
in this life; for they are Satanic. Now is the very time for us to do
the work. We can have no second probation. If we do not improve these
hours of privilege, we would not improve a second probation should it
be granted to us. It is now, while it is called today, that we are not
to burden our hearts and continue to make Christ ashamed of the
unsanctified words and deportment of us who bear his name." Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 09-01-85
Longsuffering
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.’ The truly converted soul will become gentle and condescending. His character will be marked with simplicity. He will be spiritually minded. Self-exaltation will cease. His affections have entered a new channel. He loves Jesus with the whole heart, and he loves his brethren as the purchase of the blood of Christ. Here is the fruit that will certainly appear in the renewed
heart." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 10-19-86
"If we have received the gift of God, and have a knowledge of Jesus Christ, we have a work to do for others. We must imitate the
longsuffering of God toward us. The Lord requires of us the same
treatment toward his followers that we receive of him. We are to
exercise patience, to be kind, even though they do not meet our
expectations in every particular. The Lord expects us to be pitiful and
loving, to have sympathetic hearts. The fruits of the grace of God will
be shown in our deportment to one another. We should keep always before
us that, while claiming to be commandment-keepers, we must not be found
to be commandment-breakers. The last six commandments specify man's
duty to man. Christ did not say, You may tolerate your neighbor, but,
‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ This means a great deal more
than professing Christians carry out in their daily life. While they
claim to be doers of God's word, they fail to make sure work by earnest
practice." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 11-16-86
"The love of Jesus needs to be brought to bear upon our lives. It
will have a softening, subduing influence upon our hearts and
characters. It will prompt us to forgive our brethren, even though they
have done us injury. Divine love must flow from our hearts in gentle
words and kindly actions to one another. The fruit of these good works
will hang as rich clusters upon the vine of character. ‘The fruit of
the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, meekness, temperance." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 11-16-86
"Longsuffering’ is patience with offense; long endurance. If you
are longsuffering, you will not impart to others your supposed
knowledge of your brother's mistakes and errors. You will seek to help
and save him, because he has been purchased with the blood of Christ.
‘Tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee,
thou hast gained thy brother.’ ‘Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a
fault, ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of
meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.’ To be
longsuffering is not to be gloomy and sad, sour and hardhearted; it is
to be exactly the opposite." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 11-16-86
"The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, longsuffering. Are
you in a position where you do not possess these graces? Just as soon
as any one crosses you, or offends you, does there arise in your heart
a feeling of bitterness, a spirit of rebellion? If this is the spirit
you have, bear in mind that you have not the spirit of Christ. It is
another spirit. It is the Satan side of your character that is ruling
rather than the spirit of Christ. We want a spirit of gentleness. We
cannot live right in the family circle without it. In order to have the
proper control of our children, we must manifest a spirit of gentleness
and of meekness, and of longsuffering. We do not want to have a
faultfinding, fretful, scolding spirit. If we teach them to have a
spirit of gentleness, we must have a spirit of gentleness ourselves; if
we teach them to be longsuffering, we must be longsuffering ourselves;
and if we would have them manifest a spirit of love toward us, we must
manifest a gentle, loving spirit toward them. But at the same time
there need be no weakness or unwise indulgence on the part of parents.
The mother must have firmness and decision. She must be as firm as a
rock, and not swerve from the right. Her laws and rules should be
carried out at all times and under all hazards; but she can do this
with all gentleness and meekness. She should not be bitter and
accusing; that only causes a spirit of opposition. She should be
gentle, kind, meek, and longsuffering; but with this there should be
firmness of principle. In a family disciplined and trained after this
plan, there is a power in favor of Christianity. The children will grow
up God-fearing men and women. But in a family where the opposite course
is taken, even though the parents profess to be followers of Jesus, you
will find the children going in the ways of the world. The powers of
darkness are gaining a hold upon them, and they are passing right over
into the hands of the enemy. And what influence does this have upon the
outside world? Does it testify in favor of Christianity?--No, indeed." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 12-21-86
"The disciples of Christ will heed the Master's instruction. He has bade us love one another even as he has loved us. Religion is founded upon love to God, which also leads us to love each other. It is full of gratitude, humility, longsuffering. It is self-sacrificing, forbearing, merciful, and forgiving. It sanctifies the whole life, and extends its influence over others." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 01-18-87
Patience
"My brethren, God is grieved with your envying and jealousies, your bitterness and dissension. In all these things you are yielding
obedience to Satan, and not to Christ. When we see men firm in
principle, fearless in duty, zealous in the cause of God, yet humble
and lowly, gentle and tender, patient toward all, ready to forgive,
manifesting love for souls for whom Christ died, we do not need to
inquire, Are they Christians? They give unmistakable evidence that they
have been with Jesus and learned of him. When men reveal the opposite
traits, when they are proud, vain, frivolous, worldly-minded,
avaricious, unkind, censorious, we need not be told with whom they are
associating, who is their most intimate friend. They may not believe in
witchcraft, but notwithstanding this, they are holding communion with
an evil spirit." 1PH PH001 pg. 8
"Without faith it is impossible to please God. We can have the
salvation of God in our families, but we must believe for it, live for
it, and have a continual, abiding, faith and trust in God. We must
subdue a hasty temper, and control our words; and in this we shall gain
great victories. Unless we control our words and temper, we are slaves
to Satan. We are in subjection to him. He leads us captive. All this
jangling, and unpleasant, impatient, fretful, words, are an offering
presented to his Satanic majesty. And it is a costly offering, more
costly than any offering we can make to God, for it destroys the peace
and happiness of whole families, destroys health, and is eventually the
cause of forfeiting an eternal life of happiness. The restraint God's
word imposes upon us is for our own interest. It increases the
happiness of our families, and all around us. It refines our taste,
sanctifies our judgment, and brings peace of mind, and in the end,
everlasting life. Under this holy restraint we shall increase in grace
and humility, and it will become easy to speak right. The natural,
passionate, temper, will be held in subjection. An indwelling Saviour
will strengthen every hour. Ministering angels will linger in our
dwellings, and with joy carry the tidings of our advance in the divine
life heavenward, and the angel will make a cheerful, happy record." Spiritual Gifts Vol. 4B, pg. 99
"The temptations of Satan are manifold; but those to which our
attention is called in the text are unbelief and impatience. ‘Knowing
this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.’ Impatience,
then, is the result of a lack of faith. ‘But let patience have her
perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.’ If
we do not maintain the grace of patience, we shall never reach a state
of perfection. Some of us have nervous temperament, and are naturally
as quick as a flash to think and to act; but let no one think that he
cannot learn to become patient. Patience is a plant that will make
rapid growth if carefully cultivated. By becoming thoroughly acquainted
with ourselves, and then combining with the grace of God a firm
determination on our part, we may be conquerors, and become perfect in
all things, wanting in nothing." The Signs of the Times 09-29-87
Hospitality
"The Bible lays much stress upon the practice of hospitality. Not only does it enjoin hospitality as a duty, but it presents many beautiful pictures of the exercise of this grace and the blessings which it brings. Foremost among these is the experience of Abraham." Testimonies for the Church Vol. 6, pg. 341
"A lover of hospitality’ is among the specifications given by the
Holy Spirit as marking one who is to bear responsibility in the church.
And to the whole church is given the injunction: ‘Use hospitality one
to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even
so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold
grace of God.’ 1 Peter 4:9, 10." Testimonies for the Church Vol. 6, pg. 342
"These admonitions have been strangely neglected. Even among those
who profess to be Christians, true hospitality is little exercised.
Among our own people the opportunity of showing hospitality is not
regarded as it should be, as a privilege and blessing. There is
altogether too little sociability, too little of a disposition to make
room for two or three more at the family board, without embarrassment
or parade. Some plead that ‘it is too much trouble.’ It would not be if
you would say: We have made no special preparation, but you are welcome
to what we have.’ By the unexpected guest a welcome is appreciated far
more than is the most elaborate preparation." Testimonies for the Church Vol. 6, pg. 343
"Christ has given in His own life a lesson of hospitality. When
surrounded by the hungry multitude beside the sea, He did not send them
unrefreshed to their homes. He said to His disciples: ‘Give ye them to
eat.’ Matthew 14:16. And by an act of creative power He supplied food
sufficient to satisfy their need. Yet how simple was the food provided!
There were no luxuries. He who had all the resources of heaven at His
command could have spread for the people a rich repast. But He supplied
only that which would suffice for their need, that which was the daily
food of the fisherfolk about the sea." Testimonies for the Church Vol. 6, pg. 345
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have
entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2
Sympathetic
"There have been, I was informed, misunderstanding not only of the
testimonies, but of the Bible itself. Men have exalted themselves and
esteemed themselves too highly, which leads to the denouncing of others
and passing judgment upon their brethren. Envy, jealousy, evil
speaking, evil surmising, judging one another, has been considered a
special gift given of God in discernment when it savors more of the
spirit of the great accuser, who accused the brethren before God day
and night. There has been a spirit of pharisaism, a hard, unsympathetic
spirit toward the erring, a withdrawing from some and leaving them in
discouragement, which is leaving the lost sheep to perish in the
wilderness. There has been a placing of men where God alone should be." Manuscript Releases Vol. 11, pg. 236
"God is in earnest with us. Only those who are converted will enter into the kingdom of heaven. What would we think of Christ manifesting no warmth of love, no disposition to help those in need? Yet thus do many who claim to be His followers. They are cold and unsympathetic. They make no efforts to help those with whom they come in contact. They show that they are not transformed in character. Their words show that they are not converted. They have none of Christ's tenderness. Their unamiable traits of character, their lack of sympathy, show that they have lost their first love." Manuscript Releases Vol. 14, pg. 350
"Mark the points: ‘Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.’
Who is it that speaks thus?--The Majesty of heaven, the King of glory.
He desires that your conceptions of spiritual things shall be purified
from the fog of selfishness, the defilement of a crooked, coarse,
unsympathetic nature. There must be the inward, higher experience. You
must obtain a growth in grace by abiding in Christ. And when thou art
converted, thou wilt not be a hindrance, but thou wilt strengthen thy
brethren." Manuscript Releases Vol. 21, pg. 233
"We should make it our daily care to cultivate sympathy and
affection for one another. This is the fruit that grows on the
Christian tree; it does not produce the briars and thorns of hatred and
strife. The harsh, unsympathetic words we sometimes hear spoken, and
the hardheartedness we see manifested, are wholly Satanic and this
spirit must be supplanted by the Spirit of Christ. Jesus bids us, ‘Love
one another as I have loved you. By this shall all men know that ye are
my disciples, if ye have love one to another.’ He is our mighty helper;
and if he abides in our hearts, we shall manifest his spirit. We shall
love one another--we cannot help it, for he is love." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 07-01-84
"I have been shown that there has come into the hearts of the
professed people of God, an unsympathetic, cold, loveless spirit; and
many, having left their first love, are ignorant of their true standing
before God. They cannot see that they are drawing away from Christ,
instead of being laborers together with God. It is the absence of the
love of Jesus in the heart that makes the church weak, and this absence
is always evinced by a lack of love for brethren. If its members loved
God supremely, they would love their brethren; but Satan has been
sowing his tares. This cold, critical spirit has been taking up a
larger and still larger place in all our religious associations, until
the characteristics of Satan himself are plainly revealed. There is a
separating of the soul from Christ, its first love. The Lord Jesus
understands the situation of the church. He reads every heart. He is
the heart-searching God, and he alone, with absolute certainty, knoweth
them that are his." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 12-09-90
"Satan has gained many victories over the professed followers of
Jesus through their unchristlike spirit and behavior toward their
brethren who do not agree with them, and toward unbelievers. The
discussion of doctrines has not resulted in bringing union, but
variance. A bitter spirit has been cherished, bitter words have been
spoken. The words of the True Witness should be carefully studied by
all: ‘I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first
love,’--grown cold, unsympathetic; hardness of heart has taken the
place of brotherly, Christlike love. ‘Remember therefore from whence
thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will
come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his
place, except thou repent.’ This warning should be heeded by every
church in our ranks. New elements of Christian life must be brought
into the church. Love for Christ means a broad, extended love for one
another, that love which is now so sadly wanting. The lack of love
leads to the lack of respect for each other, and the neglect of true
courtesy. There is criticising, faultfinding, reporting words spoken in
confidence, and using these to second the accusations of Satan, who is
ever busy in sowing distrust, jealousy, and bitterness. Why do the
members of the church run so readily into this evil work, overlooking
the precious things? Why do they not speak words of approval and
encouragement to one another, and thus water the precious plant of
love, that it may not die out of the heart?" Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 02-09-92
Joy
"While we are to be sober, while we are never to relax our
watchfulness to become light or frivolous, still we are always to be
cheerful. We are to express our appreciation of the Christian's hope by
joyous songs of praise and thanksgiving. Heavenly angels join in these
songs. They cannot be silent." Manuscript Releases Vol. 13, pg. 213
"The true, joyous life of the soul is to have Christ formed within, the hope of glory. Then will the servants of the Master feel that it is safe to follow where he leads. They may climb the mountain steeps or tread the burning desert sands singing over the hardest paths, because Jesus is their companion. Had ancient Israel but cherished gratitude to God for his preserving care for his divine companionship in the shadowy cloud and the fiery pillar; had they, instead of murmuring, recounted the blessings which God had bestowed upon them; had they cherished faith, and laid aside their fears and anxieties--they might ever have had the presence of the Divine Helper, and he would have lifted the burden from every weary soul." The Signs of the Times 10-21-80
"Love to Jesus will be seen, will be felt. It cannot be hidden. It
exerts a wondrous power. It makes the timid bold, the slothful
diligent, the ignorant wise. It makes the stammering tongue eloquent,
and rouses the dormant intellect into new life and vigor. It makes the
desponding hopeful, the gloomy joyous. Love to Christ will lead its
possessor to accept responsibilities for his sake, and to bear them in
his strength. Love to Christ will not be dismayed by tribulation, nor
turned aside from duty by reproaches. The soul that is not imbued with
this love for Jesus is none of his." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 11-29-87
"The true Christian does not allow any earthly consideration to
come in between his soul and God. The commandment of God wields an
authoritative influence over his affections and actions. If everyone
seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness would be always ready
to work the works of Christ, how much easier would become the path to
heaven. The blessings of God would flow into the soul, and the praises
of the Lord would be on your lips continually. You would then serve God
from principle. Your feelings might not always be of a joyous nature;
clouds would at times shadow the horizon of your experience; but the
Christian's hope does not rest upon the sandy foundation of feeling.
Those who act from principle, will behold the glory of God beyond the
shadows, and rest upon the sure word of promise. They will not be
deterred from honoring God, however dark the way may seem. Adversity
and trial will only give them an opportunity to show the sincerity of
their faith and love. When depression settles upon the soul, it is no
evidence that God has changed. He is ‘the same yesterday, and today,
and forever.’ You are sure of the favor of God when you are sensible of
the beams of the Sun of Righteousness; but if the clouds sweep over
your soul, you must not feel that you are forsaken. Your faith must
pierce the gloom. Your eye must be single, and your whole body shall be
full of light. The riches of the grace of Christ must be kept before
the mind. Treasure up the lessons that his love provides. Let your
faith be like Job's that you may declare, ‘Though he slay me, yet will
I trust in him.’ Lay hold on the promises of your Heavenly Father, and
remember his former dealing with you, and with his servants; for ‘all
things work together for good to them that love God." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 01-24-88
"Dear Christian friends, I repeat, If you are Christ's, you will
work the works of Christ, and not those of his great adversary. If
Jesus dwells in the heart, he will be exemplified in the words, in the
deportment, in all the acts and purposes of life. Such Christians will
be connected with the Living Vine; they will be nourished by the sap in
the parent stock, and will grow, and bring forth fruit in good works.
They will have favor with God and with men. Peace and joy will be shed
around their pathway, and glory will be reflected back to God." The Signs of the Times 04-21-87
"The life of the vine will be manifest in fragrant fruit on the branches. ‘He that abideth in Me,’ said Jesus, ‘and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing.’ When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." The Desire of Ages pg. 676
When Difficulties Arise Between Brethren
"Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Take heed and beware of the leaven
of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.’ His voice comes sounding down
the line to our time, ‘Beware of that misrepresenting tongue, which is
not content unless leagued with the disaffected, those who are tempted
to think they have been misused.’ Self, self, self, is the theme of all
such. They become envious and jealous, and Satan helps them, putting
his magnifying glass before their eyes until a mote looks to them like
a mountain. With a beam in their own eye, they are very anxious to pull
the mote out of their brother's eye. But the word of God exhorts, ‘Love
as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.’ True moral worth does not seek
to make a place for itself by thinking and speaking evil, by depreciating others. All envy, all jealousy, all evil speaking, with
all unbelief, must be put away from God's children." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 09-14-97
"He who is truly repentant, he who is regenerated, hates sin. All
manner of selfishness is distressing to him. Indifference to God on the
part of those around him grieves him. He is not led to exalt self in
the performance of his duty, but abhors self. ‘I abhor myself’ is the
language of the godly of all ages, who have had a clear view of the
purity and holiness of Christ. But those who are but superficial
Christians seek to exalt self by depreciating others. The clearer the
views of the character of Christ the more humble will be our views of
self. Like Job, Isaiah, Daniel, David, and Paul, we shall feel that our
comeliness is turned in us into corruption." The Signs of the Times 08-13-94
"Those who profess to be members of God's family, and who expect to stand one day around his throne, should be careful to cultivate here
the spirit that will prevail in Heaven. ‘Love is the fulfilling of the
law,’ and the love of Jesus in the heart will bind his church together
in bonds of Christian fellowship, like that fellowship which will exist
in the courts above. We have no need to err; for we possess a perfect
pattern in the life of Jesus by which to fashion our life-actions, and
the fact that we represent him so poorly should make us humble, and
should lead us to exercise love and forbearance toward others who may
err. Unless we do cultivate humility in view of our own deficiencies,
there will be developed in us an element of hardheartedness akin to
that in the character of Satan. Criticism and coldness and disunion in
the church will undo the work of the Holy Spirit of God." The Signs of the Times 05-18-88
"False teachers had brought to the Galatians doctrines that were
opposed to the gospel of Christ. Paul sought to expose and correct
these errors. He greatly desired that the false teachers might be
separated from the church, but their influence had affected so many of
the believers that it seemed hazardous to take action against them.
There was danger of causing strife and division which would be ruinous
to the spiritual interests of the church. He therefore sought to
impress upon his brethren the importance of trying to help one another
in love. He declared that all the requirements of the law setting forth
our duty to our fellow-men are fulfilled in love to one another. He
warned them that if they indulged hatred and strife, dividing into
parties, and like the brutes biting and devouring one another, they
would bring upon themselves present unhappiness and future ruin. There
was but one way to prevent these terrible evils, and that was, as the
apostle enjoined upon them, to ‘walk in the Spirit.’ They must by
constant prayer seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which would lead
them to love and unity." The Signs of the Times 01-25-83
"The Christian must modify his stern traits of character through
the grace of Christ, and cultivate that which is gentle and peaceful.
Great harm is done to the cause of Christ when Christians permit their
unholy traits of character to misrepresent the gentle, courteous spirit
of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Old age at times expects too much of
inexperienced youth, and youth expect too much of the aged. Let all
take Christ for their example, who never spoke a hasty, discourteous
word, or performed a rude action. It is just as much the sacred duty of
the aged to grow old gracefully, mellowing in disposition in the autumn
of life, as it is for the youth to represent the graces of the
character of Christ. Manners are the expression of character, and
divine grace can do everything to sanctify the character. Therefore,
‘let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." The Signs of the Times 05-07-94
"Let no one think he can hide his imperfection behind men who have
been chosen of God, yet who have shown weakness, who have made
mistakes, and who have been guilty of sin. The Lord has recorded the
mistakes and sins of his servants, not that they may be reproduced, but
that their experience may serve as a danger signal, that others need
not fall in going over the ground where they stumbled. If you are
ambitious for self-preferment, you must overcome, or you will never
enter the courts of heaven. Let selfishness be rooted out of the heart.
In the life of Christ there was no fiber of selfishness. He lived not
to please himself. Are you covetously retaining the means which God
would have you use to his name's glory? Bear in mind that covetousness
is idolatry. If you keep the commandments of God, you will love God
with all your heart, mind, might, soul, and strength, and your neighbor
as yourself. You will not cherish an overbearing, dictatorial spirit.
There will be no place in the heavenly courts for anything save
sympathy and love, kindness and goodness. Mercy, longsuffering, and
tender compassion are the attributes of the character of Christ. The
opposite of these attributes belong to the character of Satan, and will
never find an entrance into the city of our God. Love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, are
the fruits that appear on the Christian tree. ‘By their fruits ye shall
know them.’ ‘They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts.’ Christians reveal the fact that they have a
heavenly endowment. They think upon ‘whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of
good report." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 11-30-97
"Do we expect to meet our brethren in heaven? If we can live with
them here in peace and harmony, we could live with them there. But how
could we live with them in heaven if we can not live with them here
without continual contention and strife? Those who are following a
course of action that separates them from their brethren, and brings in
discord and dissension, need a thorough conversion. Our hearts must be
melted and subdued by the love of Christ. We must cherish the love that
He showed in dying for us on the cross of Calvary. We need to draw
closer and closer to the Saviour. We should be much in prayer, and we
must learn to exercise faith. We must be more tenderhearted, more
pitiful and courteous. We shall pass through this world but once, and
shall we not strive to leave on those with whom we associate, the
impress of the character of Christ." Special Testimonies Series B, pg. 27; Testimonies for the Church Vol. 9, 193
"Many are filled with self-importance and esteem themselves above
their brethren. Such should let self die; let the carnal mind be
crucified. If you have enmity, suspicion, envy, and jealousy in your
hearts, you have a work to do to make these things right. Confess your
sins; come into harmony with your brethren. Speak well of them. Throw
out no unfavorable hints, no suggestions that will awaken distrust in
the minds of others. Guard their reputation as sacredly as you would
have them guard yours; love them as you would be loved of Jesus. Work
for their interest, instead of seeking to tear them down that you may
build yourself upon their ruins. It is Satan's work to injure the
brethren, and he loves to have you help him in it. But disappoint him;
do not let him triumph over you." Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 04-29-84
"Many things will occur in this day of God's preparation that will
be hard to comprehend. I have been shown that the workers will reveal
the manner of spirit that moves them to action. Those who manifest the
attributes that have been manifested by those who have triumphed over a
mistake in their brethren, instead of seeking to encourage and heal,
and strengthen those who have erred, reveal the fact that they are
walking apart from Jesus, and encouraging the companionship of evil
angels. We are bound to stand by those who have made a mistake, and who
see it, and acknowledge it. The motives which the Lord Jesus Christ
recognizes as pure and holy move us to take this position. If we have
the Spirit of God, we will think right thoughts, utter right words, and
keep the heart with all diligence lest by one unwise impulse, we shall
grieve and distress one of the Lord's chosen messengers. ‘Touch not
mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." 1888 Materials pg. 1241
"Christ was in sympathy with suffering humanity. His efforts were
always put forth to uplift and restore, never to weaken, to oppress, or
destroy. The truly converted man will in heart and life make manifest
the outworking of the divine life. The weak and unfortunate will ever
awaken in his heart feelings of tender pity and Christlike compassion.
There will be no hardness of heart, no harsh, coarse spirit. The water
of life, as an inner spring, will be ever uprising to bless all within
the sphere of his influence. By such, gifts and offerings are brought
to God with a willing heart, a ready mind. They perform acts of mercy
and benevolence, not because they are compelled to do so, but because
they are partakers of the divine nature, partakers of the character of
Christ." The Signs of the Times 05-20-97
"The world's plan, the world's policy, the will and the suggestion
of unsanctified hearts, are striving for recognition. Of many, the
world, and not the Lord Jesus Christ, is master. Selfishness is
strengthened by the unsanctified desires and will of the human agent.
Christians in name, many are practicing a fraud upon the world, for
into the life-practice they bring worldly principles. In dealing with
their fellow men, they use the hasty, sharp words that worldlings use.
Revealing the same nature as the unconverted, while claiming to be
converted, they are false witnesses against the meek and lowly Saviour." Manuscript Releases Vol. 18, pg. 103
"Those who are co-laborers with Christ will exercise that
carefulness, manifest that love, in dealing with their fellow-men, of
which Christ has given us an example in his life, and which he has
impressed upon our hearts by the lessons of his word. But our work does
not end here. The poor, straying, lost sheep are to be hunted up, and
brought back to the fold. They are to be cared for, strengthened, and
encouraged. We each need a Saviour, and we each need the sympathy,
watchcare, and love of our brethren. As we are brought together in
church capacity, we pledge ourselves to be faithful one to another; and
any failure in our duty here, any wrong done to our brother, is
registered in the books of Heaven as a wrong done to Christ in the
person of his saints." The Signs of the Times 01-06-87
"When differences arise among brethren as to the understanding of
any point of truth, there is one Bible rule to follow. In the spirit of
meekness and love for God and one another, let brethren come together,
and after earnest prayer, with sincere desire to know God's will, study
the Bible with the spirit of a little child, to see how closely they
can draw together, and not sacrifice anything but their selfish
dignity. They should regard themselves as in the presence of the whole
universe of God, who are watching with intense interest as brother
tries to see eye to eye with brother, to understand the words of
Christ, that they may be doers of the word. When you recall the prayer
of Christ, that his disciples may be one as he was one with the Father,
can you not see how intently all heaven is beholding the spirit you
manifest toward one another? Are those who claim to be saved by the
righteousness of Christ, seeking with all their entrusted capabilities
to answer the Saviour's prayer? Will they grieve the Holy Spirit of God
by indulging their own unconsecrated feelings, struggling for the
supremacy, and standing as far apart as possible?" 1888 Materials pg. 1008
"In your case, and those connected with you, the church has been
zealously seeking to keep out these heresies. They have openly
protested against them, and this has caused those in error to raise the
cry, ‘Persecution!’ The ones who dealt with these persistently
inconsistent elements became excited and harsh, moved unwisely, and
thus gave Satan great advantage. This is not the way to deal with the
erring. The standard of truth should always be held up in the spirit of
the Master. God alone is able to decide how far circumstances and
personal infirmities were responsible for their accepting heresies--
whether it was a sin of ignorance, or a lack of wisdom." Manuscript Releases Vol. 12, pg. 119
"There are many who, when they are reproved or advised, think it
praiseworthy if they receive the rebuke without becoming impatient. But
how few take reproof with gratitude of heart, and bless those who seek
to save them from pursuing an evil course." The Signs of the Times 10-26-88
"Those who have a part in the work and cause of God should be
careful that they strike no discordant notes. There are some who have
been laboring in the Southern California Conference who need to lay off
the armor for awhile until they learn Christ's method of working. They
need to be reconverted; for they give the impression to others that
they consider all the other workers out of harmony with them. Thus the
seeds of dissension and strife are sown." Special Testimonies Series B, pg. 9
"Will the church see where she has fallen? A coldness, hardness of
heart, a want of sympathy for the brethren, exists in the church. An
absence of love for the erring is manifested. There is a withdrawing
from the very ones who need pity and help. A severity, an overbearing
spirit, such as existed among the Pharisees, exists in our churches,
and especially in those entrusted with sacred responsibilities. They
are lifted up in self-esteem and self-assurance. The widow and the
fatherless have not their sympathy or their love. This is entirely
unlike the spirit of Christ. The Lord looks with displeasure upon the
coarse, harsh spirit that has been manifested by some,--a spirit so
devoid of sympathy, of tender appreciation of those whom he loves.
Brethren, you who close the heart against Christ's suffering ones,
remember, that as you deal with them, God will deal with you. When you
call, he will not say, ‘Here I am;’ when you cry, he will not answer.
Satan is watching, preparing his delusions to ensnare those who are
filled with self-importance while they are spiritually destitute." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 12-23-90
"If a brother differs with you on some points of truth, do not
stoop to ridicule, do not place him in a false light or misconstrue his
words, making sport of them; do not misinterpret his words and wrest
them of their true meaning. This is not conscientious argument. Do not
present him before others as a heretic, when you have not with him
investigated his positions, taking the Scriptures text-by-text in the
spirit of Christ to show him what is truth. You do not yourself really
know the evidence he has for his faith, and you cannot clearly define
your own position. Take your Bible, and in a kindly spirit weigh every
argument that he presents, and show him by the Scriptures if he is in
error. When you do this without unkind feelings, you will do only that
which is your duty and the duty of every minister of Jesus Christ." 1888 Materials pg. 98
"Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to
them.’ Blessed results would appear as the fruit of such a course.
‘With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.’ Here
are strong motives which should operate on minds to constrain them to
love one another with a pure heart, fervently. Christ is our example.
He went about doing good. He lived to bless others. Love beautified and
ennobled all his actions. We are not commanded to do to ourselves what
we wish others to do unto us, we are to do unto others what we wish
them to do to us under like circumstances. The measure we mete is
always measured to us again. Pure love is simple in its operations, and
is distinct from any other principle of action. The love of influence,
and the desire for the esteem of others, may produce a well ordered
life, and, frequently, a blameless conversation. Self-respect may lead
us to avoid the appearance of vice. A selfish heart may perform
generous actions, acknowledge the present truth, and express humility
and affection in the outward manner, yet the motives be deceptive and
impure; and the efforts and actions that flow from them may be
destitute of the savor of life, and the fruits of true holiness, being
destitute of the principles of pure love. Love, love, should be
cultivated. It needs cherishing, for its influence is divine." Testimony for the Church, No. 16, pg. 30
Why So Much Strife and Division Within Adventism?
"We have altogether too much familiar intercourse with Satan. We
argue with him. We enter right into conversation with him, and treat
him as a guest, coming into agreement with him. It is in this way that
he presents the faults of our brethren to us, and magnifies them until
we can see nothing good in their characters. Some imagine that they
have a wonderful zeal for God, that they are inspired to set things in
order, that they have a spirit of discernment, when it is really an
inspiration that Satan has imparted to them. They are possessed of a
cold, unsympathetic, unforgiving, critical spirit, that is not of God
at all." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 05-28-89
"Ye are yet carnal,’ Paul declared, ‘for whereas there is among
you envying, and strife, and division, are ye not carnal, and walk as
men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos,
are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers
by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?’ Their
contentions revealed that they had not the mind and Spirit of Christ,
that they were walking after the wisdom of their narrow, conceited
minds. Their views and feelings were bound about with selfishness. They
did not show the liberality, the generosity, the tenderness, which
reveals an abiding Christ." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 12-11-00
"The unity of the church is the convincing evidence that God has
sent Jesus into the world as its Redeemer. This is an argument which
worldlings can neither withstand nor controvert. Therefore Satan is
constantly working to prevent this union and harmony, that unbelievers,
by witnessing backbiting, dissension, and strife among professed
Christians, may become disgusted with religion, and be confirmed in
their impenitence. God is dishonored by those who profess the truth
while they are at variance and enmity with one another. Satan is the
great accuser of the brethren, and all who engage in this work are
enlisted in his service." Manuscript Releases Vol. 15, pg. 144
"When the right way is so plainly marked out, why do not the
professed people of God walk in it? Why do they not study and pray and
labor earnestly to be of one mind? Why do they not seek to cherish
compassion for one another, to love as brethren, instead of rendering
evil for evil, and railing for railing? Who does not love life and
desire good days? yet how few comply with the conditions, to refrain
the tongue from evil, and the lips from speaking guile. Few are willing
to follow the Saviour's example of meekness and humility. Many ask the
Lord to humble them, but are unwilling to submit to the needful
discipline. When the test comes, when trials or even annoyances occur,
the heart rebels, and the tongue utters words that are like poisoned
arrows or blasting hail.
"Evil-speaking is a two-fold curse, falling more heavily upon the
speaker than upon the hearer. He who scatters the seeds of dissension
and strife, reaps in his own soul the deadly fruits. How miserable is
the tale-bearer, the surmiser of evil! He is a stranger to true
happiness." The Signs of the Times 02-08-83; Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5, pg. 176
"Let us strive with earnestness for the victory over sin. Let us be determined not to give place to the enemy by criticizing, by picking
flaws, by disparaging others, and seeking to be first. Let us study the
prayer made in our behalf, and work for its fulfilment. Let us keep our
eyes fixed upon the perfect Pattern. The only way to avoid dissension
and strife is to keep looking to Him who came to the world to save
sinners, learning of Him, His meekness and lowliness. He says to us,
‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.’ How, then,
can there be strife among us? If we live in Christ's presence, there
will be no contention." The Signs of the Times 09-19-00
"Every one is responsible to God for the use he makes of his
abilities. He is responsible for making a daily growth in grace. Let no
one feel, even though he may theoretically be established in the
present truth, that he makes no mistakes. But if mistakes are made, let
there be a readiness to correct them. And let us avoid everything that
is likely to create dissension and strife; for there is a heaven before
us, and among its inhabitants there will be no strife." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 08-08-07
"Some will be sanctified through the truth; but many make a
superficial change in their habits and practices, and then suppose that
they are Christians. They are received into church fellowship, but they
are a great trouble and a great care. Through them Satan tries to sow
in the church the seeds of jealousy, dishonesty, criticism, and
accusing. Thus he tries to corrupt the other members of the church. The
disposition that has mastered them from childhood, that led them to
break away from all restraint and brought them down to degradation,
still controls them. They are reported to be rescued, but too often
time shows that the work done for them did not make them submissive
children of God. At every supposed slight, resentful feelings rise.
They cherish bitterness, wrath, malice. By their words and spirit they
show that they have not been born again. Their tendencies are downward,
tending to sensuality. They are untrustworthy, unthankful, unholy. Thus
it is with all who have not been soundly converted. Every one of these
marred characters, untransformed, becomes an efficient worker for
Satan, creating dissension and strife." Testimonies for the Church Vol.8, pg. 184
"Union is strength; division is weakness. When those who believe
present truth are united, they exert a telling influence. Satan well
understands this. Never was he more determined than now to make of none
effect the truth of God by causing bitterness and dissension among the
Lord's people." Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5, pg. 236
"The greater destruction included in Christ's description of the
destruction of Jerusalem,--the destruction of the world,--is at hand.
Soon the history of this earth is to be swallowed up in an endless
eternity. In view of this, how can the members of the church of God
spend their time in dissension and strife, criticizing and condemning
one another? We have no call to sit in judgment upon others. To no
human being is given the work of passing sentence upon his fellow-beings. This work Christ alone can do." Pacific Union Recorder 12-01-04
"Is Christ divided? Is a trifling difference of opinion of
sufficient consequence to part asunder very friends, so that they
cannot unite in doing a good work? Are individual opinions to be
regarded as being so infallible as not to admit of any change? This is
certainly spiritual weakness. Let each worker humble his heart before
God. As no one's opinion is always without a flaw, do not act as if you
could not talk the matter over together and concede to one another." Manuscript Releases Vol. 13, pg. 39
"The minds of many are clouded with unbelief because those who
unite with the church as the chosen of God do not reveal the virtues
that are the fruits of the Spirit. Joining the church is not a sure
evidence that a man has joined himself to Christ. The new birth is a
rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there
are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the
name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy. They have been baptized,
but they were buried alive. Self did not die, and therefore they did
not rise to newness of life in Christ." Manuscript Releases Vol. 12, pg. 52
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You see, friend, this young man that came to Jesus thought that he was all right. To human standards he was indeed without a flaw. The same condition that he was in then is a great danger for us today! Why can we not see that there is something truly wrong when there is so much division, strife, contention, and people dividing up from one another today?
"The young man answered without hesitation, ‘All these things haveI kept from my youth up; what lack I yet?’ His conception of the law
was external and superficial. Judged by a human standard, he had
preserved an unblemished character. To a great degree his outward life
had been free from guilt; he verily thought that his obedience had been
without a flaw. Yet he had a secret fear that all was not right between
his soul and God. This prompted the question, ‘What lack I yet?" Christ’s Object Lessons pg. 391
"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death." Proverbs 16:25
A Call To Unity!
"God is the embodiment of benevolence, mercy, and love. Those who
are truly connected with Him cannot be at variance with one another.
His Spirit ruling in the heart will create harmony, love, and unity.
The opposite of this is seen among the children of Satan. It is his
work to stir up envy, strife, and jealousy. In the name of my Master I
ask the professed followers of Christ: What fruit do you bear?" Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5, pg. 28
"Floating rumors are often the destroyers of unity among brethren.
There are some who watch with open mind and ears to catch flying
scandal. They gather up little incidents which may be trifling in
themselves, but which are repeated and exaggerated until a man is made
an offender for a word. Their motto seems to be, 'Report, and we will
report it.' These tale-bearers are doing Satan's work with surprising
fidelity, little knowing how offensive their course is to God. . . .
The door of the mind should be closed against, 'They say,' or, 'I have
heard.' Why should we not, instead of allowing jealousy or evil
surmising to come into our hearts, go to our brethren, and after
frankly but kindly setting before them the things we have heard
detrimental to their character and influence, pray with and for them?
While we can not fellowship with those who are the bitter enemies of
Christ, we should cultivate that spirit of meekness and love that
characterized our Master,--a love that thinketh no evil, and is not
easily provoked. . . .
"Let us diligently cultivate the pure principles of the gospel of
Christ,--the religion, not of self-esteem, but of love, meekness, and
lowliness of heart. Then we shall love our brethren, and esteem them
better than ourselves. Our minds will not dwell on scandal and flying
reports. But 'whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be
any virtue, and if there be any praise,' we shall 'think on these
things.'" Gospel Workers pgs. 445-447
"Ten members, who were walking in all humbleness of mind, would have a far greater power upon the world than has the entire church, with its present numbers and lack of unity. The more there is of the divided, inharmonious element, the less power will the church have for good in the world." Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5, pg. 119
"Union is strength; division is weakness. When those who believe
present truth are united, they exert a telling influence. Satan well
understands this. Never was he more determined than now to make of none
effect the truth of God by causing bitterness and dissension among the
Lord's people." Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5, pg. 236
"That union and love might exist among His disciples was the burden of our Saviour's last prayer for them prior to His crucifixion. With the agony of the cross before Him, His solicitude was not for Himself, but for those whom He should leave to carry forward His work in the earth. The severest trials awaited them, but Jesus saw that their greatest danger would be from a spirit of bitterness and division. Hence He prayed:" (John 17 quoted) Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5, pg. 236
"Those who are appointed to guard the spiritual interests of the
church should be careful to set a right example, giving no occasion for
envy, jealousy, or suspicion, ever manifesting that same spirit of
love, respect, and courtesy which they desire to encourage in their
brethren. Diligent heed should be given to the instructions of God's
word. Let every manifestation of animosity or unkindness be checked;
let every root of bitterness be removed. When trouble arises between
brethren, the Saviour's rule should be strictly followed. All possible
effort should be made to effect a reconciliation; but if the parties
stubbornly persist in remaining at variance, they should be suspended
till they can harmonize." Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5, pg. 241
We all need to prayerfully read the section titled, Christian Unity in Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5!
"Truths connected with the second coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven will be talked of, written upon, more than now. There is to be closed every door that will lead to points of difference and debate
among brethren. If the old man was purged from every heart, then there
would be greater safety in discussion, but now the people need
something of a different character. There is altogether too little of
the love of Christ in the hearts of those who claim to believe the
truth. While all their hopes are centered in Jesus Christ, while His
Spirit pervades the soul, then there will be unity, although every idea
may not be exactly the same on all points." Manuscript Releases Vol. 15, pg. 29
"The work of building one another up in the most holy faith is a
blessed work; but the work of tearing down is a work full of bitterness
and sorrow. Christ identifies himself with his suffering children; for
he says, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my
brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ If all would carry out the
instruction given by Christ, what love and unity would exist among his
followers! Every heart has its own sorrows and disappointments, and we
should seek to lighten one another's burdens by manifesting the love of
Jesus to those around us. If our conversation were upon heaven and
heavenly things, evil speaking would soon cease to have any attraction
for us. We should not then be placing our feet on the enemy's dangerous
ground. We should not then be entering into temptation, or falling
under the power of the evil one.
"Instead of finding fault with others, let us be critical with
ourselves. The question with each one of us should be, Is my heart
right before God? Will this course of action glorify my Father which is
in heaven? If you have cherished a wrong spirit, let it be banished
from the soul. It is your duty to eradicate from your heart everything
that is of a defiling nature; every root of bitterness should be
plucked up, lest others be contaminated by its baleful influence. Do
not allow one poisonous plant to remain in the soil of your heart. Root
it out this very hour, and plant in its stead the plant of love. Let
Jesus be enshrined in the soul.
"Christ is our example. He went about doing good. He lived to bless others. Love beautified and ennobled all his actions, and we are
commanded to follow in his steps. Let us remember that God sent his
only begotten Son to this world of sorrow to ‘redeem us from all
iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good
works.’ Let us seek to comply with the requirements of God, and fulfil
his law. ‘Love is the fulfilling of the law,’ and he who died that we
might live, has given us this commandment, that we should love one
another as he has loved us; and the world will know that we are his
disciples, if we have this love one for another." Advent Review and Sabbath Herald 07-27-11
If we came to Jesus with the same question as this young man did, could it be possible that Jesus would tell us to go and make it right with your brother/sister, then come and follow me? Nevertheless, our condition would be the same as was this young, "Christ read the ruler's heart. Only one thing he lacked, but that was a vital principle. He needed the love of God in the soul." The Desire of Ages pg. 519 As we read, this man was serious in his performance of religious duty, he was to all outward appearance without a flaw. "The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypocrites. They have a regard for the truth, they have advocated the truth, they are attracted to those who believe the truth; but they have not yielded themselves to the Holy Spirit's working. They have not fallen upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, and permitted their old nature to be broken up. This class are represented also by the stony-ground hearers. They receive the word with readiness, but they fail of assimilating its principles. Its influence is not abiding. The Spirit works upon man's heart, according to his desire and consent implanting in him a new nature; but the class represented by the foolish virgins have been content with a superficial work. They do not know God. They have not studied His character; they have not held communion with Him; therefore they do not know how to trust, how to look and live. Their service to God degenerates into a form. ‘They come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as My people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.’ Eze. 33:31. The apostle Paul points out that this will be the special characteristic of those who live just before Christ's second coming. He says, ‘In the last days perilous times shall come: for men shall be lovers of their own selves; . . . lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.’ 2 Tim. 3:1-5." Christ’s Object Lessons pg. 411
One must consider why we experience so much strife and division, why there is so little of the fruit of the Spirit when a person disagrees with us, mistreats us, or makes a mistake.
Please do not place your trust in the flimsy arm of man! You must examine yourself to see if you are truly a vessel unto the Lord. Don’t deceive yourself into believing that you are walking with the Lord just because you attend this church or go to that campmeeting. Eternal results are at stake!