Tender in word and action

I am sorry that there are those in positions of trust who very sparingly cultivate the sympathy and tenderness of Christ. They do not even cultivate and manifest love toward their brethren and sisters who are in the faith. They do not exercise the precious tact that should bind and heal those who go astray, but instead they exhibit cruelty of spirit, that drives the wanderer still further into the dark, and makes angels weep. Some seem to find a sort of pleasure in bruising and wounding souls who are ready to die. As I look upon men who handle sacred truth, who bear sacred responsibilities, and who are failing to cultivate a spirit of love and tenderness, I feel like crying out, “Turn ye, turn ye; for why will ye die?”PCL 84.3

When I consider the fact that as probationers we are now forming characters that will either fit us for the society of heavenly angels or delegate us to a place with those who are outside the city of God, I tremble for these men. . . . How does heaven look upon human agents who are void of the milk of human kindness?—Letter 43, 1895 (June 14)PCL 85.1

God sees every transaction; nothing is hid from Him. There is too much responsibility assumed by men who have not cultivated the love and compassion and sympathy and tenderness that characterized the life of Christ. In dealing with some of their brethren who have not followed their counsel or who may have questioned their course of action or who may have had dealings with them that did not please them, they manifest no love, although these souls are the purchase of the blood of Christ, and may be more precious in the sight of God because of their simplicity and their integrity in maintaining the right at any cost.PCL 85.2

When the brethren who for some reason dislike these persons have a chance, they will give encouragement to the spirit in harmony with the attributes of Satan rather than the Spirit of the living God. They will do things to hurt their souls, and will manage in such a manner as to humble and oppress them. These souls are God’s property, precious in His sight, and He will judge those who do things of this character. It is time that all such transactions were repented of, and these sins were going beforehand to judgment, that they may be blotted out. When the Holy Spirit shall work upon the mind of the human agents and bring these things to remembrance, will they confess their sins? Will they make everything right with their brethren?—Letter 31a, 1894 (October 27)PCL 85.3