Reformers Should Reflect Christ

Of all people in the world, reformers should be the most unselfish, the most kind, the most courteous. The true goodness of unselfish deeds should be seen in their lives. Workers who manifest a lack of courtesy, who show impatience at the ignorance or waywardness of others, who speak hastily or act thoughtlessly, may close the door to hearts, making it impossible for the gospel to reach them.MHH 81.3

As the dew and the soft showers fall upon withering plants, so let words fall gently when seeking to win people from error. God’s plan for us is first to reach the heart. We are to speak the truth in love, trusting in Him to give it power for reforming the life. The Holy Spirit will apply to the soul the word that is spoken in love.MHH 81.4

By nature we are self-centered and opinionated. But when we learn the lessons that Christ desires to teach us, we become partakers of His nature and live His life. The wonderful example of Christ, the matchless tenderness with which He entered into the feelings of others, weeping with those who wept, rejoicing with those who rejoiced, must have a deep influence upon the character of all who follow Him in sincerity. By kindly words and acts they will try to make the path easy for weary feet.MHH 81.5

“‘The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.’” Isaiah 50:4.MHH 81.6

All around us are afflicted souls. Here and there, everywhere, we may find them. Let us search out these suffering ones and speak a word in season to comfort their hearts. Let us ever be channels through which shall flow the refreshing waters of compassion.MHH 81.7

In all our associations it should be remembered that in the experience of others there are chapters sealed from mortal sight. On the pages of memory are sad histories that are sacredly guarded from curious eyes. There stand registered long, hard battles with trying circumstances, perhaps troubles in the home life, that day by day weaken courage, confidence, and faith. Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be strengthened and encouraged by little attentions that cost only a loving effort. To such, the strong, helpful grasp of the hand by a true friend is worth more than gold or silver. Words of kindness are as welcome as the smile of angels.MHH 81.8

Multitudes are struggling with poverty, compelled to work hard for low pay, and able to secure only the barest necessities of life. Toil and deprivation, with no hope of better things, make their burden very heavy. When pain and sickness are added, the load is almost unbearable. Careworn and oppressed, they know not where to turn for relief. Sympathize with them in their trials, their heartaches, and disappointments. This will open the way for you to help them. Speak to them of God’s promises, pray with and for them, inspire them with hope.MHH 82.1

Words of cheer and encouragement spoken when the soul is sick and the pulse of courage is low—these are regarded by the Savior as if spoken to Himself. As hearts are cheered, the heavenly angels look on in pleased recognition.MHH 82.2

From age to age the Lord has been working to awaken in human souls a sense that all belong to God’s family, that all are brothers and sisters. Be co-workers with Him. While distrust and alienation are pervading the world, Christ’s disciples are to reveal the spirit that reigns in heaven.MHH 82.3

Speak as He would speak, act as He would act. Constantly reveal the sweetness of His character. Reveal that wealth of love which underlies all His teachings and all His dealings with mortal beings. The humblest workers, in cooperation with Christ, may touch chords whose vibrations shall ring to the ends of the earth and make melody throughout eternal ages.MHH 82.4

Heavenly intelligences are waiting to cooperate with human instrumentalities, that they may reveal to the world what human beings may become, and what, through union with the Divine, may be accomplished for the saving of souls that are ready to perish. There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon the heart and lives a life wholly consecrated to God.MHH 82.5

All who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to His service will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of His own Spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in mind and heart. Through the grace given us we may achieve victories that, because of our own erroneous and preconceived opinions, our defects of character, our smallness of faith, have seemed impossible.MHH 82.6

To all who offer themselves to the Lord for service, withholding nothing, is given power to attain measureless results. For these men and women, God will do great things. He will work upon their minds so that, even in their mortal state, there shall be seen in their lives a fulfillment of the promise of the future state.MHH 82.7

“The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them;
And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose;
It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice,
Even with joy and singing. ...
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
Then the lame shall leap like a deer,
And the tongue of the dumb sing.
For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness,
And streams in the desert.
The parched ground shall become a pool,
And the thirsty land springs of water. ...
A highway shall be there, and a road,
And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. ...
The redeemed shall walk there,
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
And come to Zion with singing,
With everlasting joy on their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness,
And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Isaiah 35:1-10.MHH 83.1