January 26, 1911

How to Deal With the Erring

EGW

There is need of shepherds who, under the direction of the Chief Shepherd, will seek for lost sheep. The doing of this work means the bearing of physical discomfort and the sacrifice of ease. It means showing Christlike forbearance and compassion for the erring. It means to listen to heart-breaking recitals of wrong, of degradation, of despair, and misery. The doing of this work means self-sacrifice.RH January 26, 1911, par. 1

The religion of Christ ignores both rank and caste, worldly honor and riches. It is character and purity of purpose that are of worth in God's sight. God does not take sides with the strong and highly favored of earth. Far from this: no trampling upon the poor and needy and oppressed is unnoticed by him. He demands that his followers shall be men and women of sympathy and tenderness. The poor, the unfortunate, the sick, and the suffering are in this world to test the characters of the men and women in more favorable circumstances. Living in daily communion with God, we shall learn to place God's estimate upon men, to respect and honor those whom God respects and honors.RH January 26, 1911, par. 2

The love of Jesus in the soul will lead men to value aright those for whom Christ has died. He who continually beholds Christ will not push tired souls into stronger temptations, or indifferently leave them on Satan's battle-ground. He will reach out a helping hand, seeking to draw souls heavenward, to help them to plant their feet firmly on the Rock of Ages.RH January 26, 1911, par. 3

In the Old Testament and the New the principles of true Christianity are plainly outlined. Paul writes: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.”RH January 26, 1911, par. 4

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.... Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”RH January 26, 1911, par. 5

We need to get a view of how the heavenly angels co-operate with human agencies for the uplifting of men. It is the greatest joy of the angels in heaven to spread the shield of their tender love over the souls who turn to God. Their love for those for whom Christ died is beyond measurement. Angels are keeping back the agencies of destruction; for they have an intense desire that sinners shall return to peace and safety. Angels unite with the true, whole-hearted servants of Christ to help those who are in the valley of decision.RH January 26, 1911, par. 6

It is Satan's fierce, unabated desire to destroy souls. But the angelic agencies are standing firm, determined that he shall not gain the victory. And the Lord Jesus, before the armies of heaven and the armies of Satan, uplifts the bloodstained banner of the cross. The words come from his lips, “The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” “Plucked out of the fire,”—only God and Christ know how much that means.RH January 26, 1911, par. 7

With intense interest angels are watching to see how man deals with his fellow man. When the heavenly messengers see that we show tender sympathy for the erring, they press close to our side, bringing to our remembrance words that will soothe and comfort the soul. “In heaven their angels do always behold the face of their Father which is in heaven.” Beware how you think a contemptuous thought or speak a contemptuous word of the least of Christ's little ones. Say not a word, do not a deed, that will drive the erring farther from the Saviour.RH January 26, 1911, par. 8

Most pitiful is the condition of the one who is suffering from remorse. He is as one stunned, staggering, sinking to the ground. The tired, tempted, confused soul can not see anything clearly. O, then let no word be spoken to cause deeper shame! Help once more to his feet the one who has fallen. With skilled hands bind up the wounds that sin has made. Let not your words, like devastating hail, beat down and destroy the hope springing up in the heart. A soul hurt is often a soul destroyed. Any neglect on your part, any exaltation of self, any hasty, passionate words, may set the soul on the road to destruction, placing him where he will never find the road that leads heavenward. A few words, hastily spoken under provocation, may seem but a little thing,—just what the wrong-doer deserves,—but such words may cut the cords of influence that bind soul to soul. Our work is to restore, not to destroy; to lift up, not to cast down; “to heal the broken-hearted.” We are to remember those that are bound as bound with them. There is a sustaining power in the deed done to benefit and bless humanity.RH January 26, 1911, par. 9

You will come in contact with those who are weary and heartsick, those who are sorrowful and disheartened. To God's omnipotent eye the whole future is unveiled. He reads the history of every heart. He knows the struggles and trials of every soul that he has ransomed. Those for whom Christ died are dear to the heart of God. Use for the help of some struggling fellow being the strength that you have gained. Remember that no one is ever made better by denunciation and recrimination. To charge a tempted soul with his guilt in no way inspires him with a determination to reform. Point the erring, discouraged one to Him who came to save to the uttermost all who come to him. Show him what he may become. Tell him that in him there is nothing to recommend him to God, but that Christ died for him, that he might be accepted in the Beloved. Inspire him with hope. Show him that in Christ's strength he can do better. Help him to take hold upon the mercy of God, to trust in his forgiving power. Jesus is waiting to clasp him by the hand, waiting to give him power to live a noble, virtuous life.RH January 26, 1911, par. 10

There is help for the needy, light for the blind, redemption for the lost. Jesus came into the world to “bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” The world is full of men and women who are carrying a heavy load of sorrow and suffering and sin. God sends his children to reveal to them him who will take away the burden and give them rest. It is the mission of Christ's followers to help, to bless, to heal.RH January 26, 1911, par. 11

Always be found working on the broad plan of God's love. Be sound in principle, but do not manifest stern, ungenial traits of character. God does not want you to have a disposition like a ball of putty. He wants you to be as firm as a rock to principle, yet with a wholesome mellowness in your experience. Jesus was incorruptible and undefiled, yet he was also gentle and sympathetic. He was what every Christian should strive to be in holiness and winsomeness of character. Let us learn from him how to combine firmness, purity, and integrity with unselfishness, courtesy, and kindly sympathy.RH January 26, 1911, par. 12

The greatest in the kingdom of God are those who love the Saviour too well to misrepresent him, who love their fellow men too well to imperil their souls by setting them a wrong example. To do good to all, to encourage and strengthen instead of discouraging and weakening—this is true missionary work.RH January 26, 1911, par. 13

Never rest satisfied until you possess a loving and lovable spirit. Your words may strengthen, help, and bless those around you. True Christianity makes the religious life attractive. Come to Christ, and his gentleness and love will break down the harsh, cold selfishness that prevents you from revealing him to the world. Your hasty temper will be subdued, your pride expelled. Jesus will fill your heart with his gentleness, his patience, his love. Then you can uplift him before sinners.RH January 26, 1911, par. 14

Christ is represented as stooping from his throne, bending earthward to send help to every needy soul who asks for it in faith. He is raising up the fallen, bringing hope to the helpless, and placing their feet in sure paths. He gave himself to a shameful, agonizing death to save the perishing. O, he is able, he is willing, he is longing to save all who will come to him! As you look upon our Intercessor, let your own heart be broken. Then, softened and subdued, you can address repentant sinners as one who knows the power of redeeming love. Pray with these souls. Get them to look away from themselves to the Saviour, and the victory is won. They behold for themselves the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. The strong tide of redeeming love pours into the parched, thirsty soul, and the sinner is saved to Christ. As he responds to the drawing of the Saviour, he repents of his sins and confesses them, and pardon is written opposite his name. The Holy Spirit takes of the things of God, and shows them to him. And his heart is filled with a sense of the greatness of God's love. The grace of Christ expels the selfishness that has hitherto ruled the life. The affections turn to God. The character is transformed. The man is filled with an intense desire to serve him who has done so much for him.RH January 26, 1911, par. 15