Every association of life calls for the exercise of self-control,
forbearance, and sympathy. We differ so widely in
disposition, habits, education, that our ways of looking at
things vary. We judge differently. Our understanding of
truth, our ideas in regard to the conduct of life, are not in all
respects the same. There are no two whose experience is alike
in every particular. The trials of one are not the trials of
another. The duties that one finds light are to another most
difficult and perplexing.
So frail, so ignorant, so liable to misconception is human
nature, that each should be careful in the estimate he places
upon another. We little know the bearing of our acts upon
the experience of others. What we do or say may seem to us
of little moment, when, could our eyes be opened, we should
see that upon it depended the most important results for good
or for evil.
Consideration for Burden Bearers
Many have borne so few burdens, their hearts have known
so little real anguish, they have felt so little perplexity and
distress in behalf of others, that they cannot understand the
work of the true burden bearer. No more capable are they of
appreciating his burdens than is the child of understanding
the care and toil of his burdened father. The child may wonder
at his father's fears and perplexities. These appear needless
to him. But when years of experience shall have been
added to his life, when he himself comes to bear its burdens,
he will look back upon his father's life and understand that
which was once so incomprehensible. Bitter experience has
given him knowledge.
The work of many a burden bearer is not understood, his
labors are not appreciated, until death lays him low. When
others take up the burdens he has laid down, and meet the
difficulties he encountered, they can understand how his faith
and courage were tested. Often then the mistakes they were
so quick to censure are lost sight of. Experience teaches them
sympathy. God permits men to be placed in positions of
responsibility. When they err, He has power to correct or to
remove them. We should be careful not to take into our
hands the work of judging that belongs to God.
The conduct of David toward Saul has a lesson. By
command of God, Saul had been anointed as king over Israel.
Because of his disobedience the Lord declared that the kingdom
should be taken from him; and yet how tender and
courteous and forbearing was the conduct of David toward
him! In seeking the life of David, Saul came into the wilderness
and, unattended, entered the very cave where David with
his men of war lay hidden. "And the men of David said unto
him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, . . .
I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest
do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. . . . And he said
unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing
unto my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch forth mine
hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord."
The Saviour bids us, "Judge not, that ye be not judged. For
with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with
what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
Remember that soon your life record will pass in review
before God. Remember, too, that He has said, "Thou art
inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: . . .
for thou that judgest doest the same things." 1 Samuel 24:
4-6; Matthew 7:1, 2; Romans 2:1.
Forbearance Under Wrong
We cannot afford to let our spirits chafe over any real or
supposed wrong done to ourselves. Self is the enemy we most
need to fear. No form of vice has a more baleful effect upon
the character than has human passion not under the control
of the Holy Spirit. No other victory we can gain will be so
precious as the victory gained over self.
We should not allow our feelings to be easily wounded.
We are to live, not to guard our feelings or our reputation,
but to save souls. As we become interested in the salvation
of souls we cease to mind the little differences that so often
arise in our association with one another. Whatever others
may think of us or do to us, it need not disturb our oneness
with Christ, the fellowship of the Spirit. "What glory is it,
if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it
patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take
it patiently, this is acceptable with God." 1 Peter 2:20.
Do not retaliate. So far as you can do so, remove all cause
for misapprehension. Avoid the appearance of evil. Do all
that lies in your power, without the sacrifice of principle, to
conciliate others. "If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and
there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee;
leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be
reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."
Matthew 5:23, 24.
If impatient words are spoken to you, never reply in the
same spirit. Remember that "a soft answer turneth away
wrath." Proverbs 15:1. And there is wonderful power in
silence. Words spoken in reply to one who is angry sometimes
serve only to exasperate. But anger met with silence, in a
tender, forbearing spirit, quickly dies away.
Under a storm of stinging, faultfinding words, keep the
mind stayed upon the word of God. Let mind and heart be
stored with God's promises. If you are ill-treated or wrongfully
accused, instead of returning an angry answer, repeat to
yourself the precious promises:
"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12:21.
"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and
He shall bring it to pass. And He shall bring forth thy
righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday."
Psalm 37:5, 6.
"There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed;
neither hid, that shall not be known." Luke 12:2.
"Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went
through fire and through water: but Thou broughtest us
out into a wealthy place." Psalm 66:12.
We are prone to look to our fellow men for sympathy and
uplifting, instead of looking to Jesus. In His mercy and
faithfulness God often permits those in whom we place
confidence to fail us, in order that we may learn the folly of
trusting in man and making flesh our arm. Let us trust
fully, humbly, unselfishly in God. He knows the sorrows
that we feel to the depths of our being, but which we cannot
express. When all things seem dark and unexplainable,
remember the words of Christ, "What I do thou knowest
not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." John 13:7.
Study the history of Joseph and of Daniel. The Lord did
not prevent the plottings of men who sought to do them
harm; but He caused all these devices to work for good to
His servants who amidst trial and conflict preserved their
faith and loyalty.
So long as we are in the world, we shall meet with adverse
influences. There will be provocations to test the temper;
and it is by meeting these in a right spirit that the Christian
graces are developed. If Christ dwells in us, we shall be
patient, kind, and forbearing, cheerful amid frets and irritations.
Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self,
and grow into a noble heroism. This is our allotted task; but
it cannot be accomplished without help from Jesus, resolute
decision, unwavering purpose, continual watchfulness, and
unceasing prayer. Each one has a personal battle to fight.
Not even God can make our characters noble or our lives
useful, unless we become co-workers with Him. Those who
decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory.
We need not keep our own record of trials and difficulties,
griefs, and sorrows. All these things are written in the books,
and heaven will take care of them. While we are counting
up the disagreeable things, many things that are pleasant to
reflect upon are passing from memory, such as the merciful
kindness of God surrounding us every moment and the love
over which angels marvel, that God gave His Son to die for
us. If as workers for Christ you feel that you have had greater
cares and trials than have fallen to the lot of others, remember
that for you there is a peace unknown to those who shun these
burdens. There is comfort and joy in the service of Christ.
Let the world see that life with Him is no failure.
If you do not feel lighthearted and joyous, do not talk of
your feelings. Cast no shadow upon the lives of others. A
cold, sunless religion never draws souls to Christ. It drives
them away from Him into the nets that Satan has spread for
the feet of the straying. Instead of thinking of your
discouragements, think of the power you can claim in Christ's
name. Let your imagination take hold upon things unseen.
Let your thoughts be directed to the evidences of the great
love of God for you. Faith can endure trial, resist temptation,
bear up under disappointment. Jesus lives as our advocate.
All is ours that His mediation secures.
Think you not that Christ values those who live wholly
for Him? Think you not that He visits those who, like the
beloved John in exile, are for His sake in hard and trying
places? God will not suffer one of His truehearted workers
to be left alone, to struggle against great odds and be
overcome. He preserves as a precious jewel everyone whose life
is hid with Christ in Him. Of every such one He says: "I
. . . will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee."
Haggai 2:23.
Then talk of the promises; talk of Jesus' willingness to
bless. He does not forget us for one brief moment. When,
notwithstanding disagreeable circumstances, we rest confidingly
in His love, and shut ourselves in with Him, the sense of
His presence will inspire a deep, tranquil joy. Of Himself
Christ said: "I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath
taught Me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is
with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always
those things that please Him." John 8:28, 29.
The Father's presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell
Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing
of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for
us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in
Christ. Whatever comes to him comes from the Saviour,
who surrounds him with His presence. Nothing can touch
him except by the Lord's permission. All our sufferings and
sorrows, all our temptations and trials, all our sadness and
griefs, all our persecutions and privations, in short, all things
work together for our good. All experiences and circumstances
are God's workmen whereby good is brought to us.
If we have a sense of the long-suffering of God toward
us, we shall not be found judging or accusing others. When
Christ was living on the earth, how surprised His associates
would have been, if, after becoming acquainted with Him,
they had heard Him speak one word of accusation, of fault-finding,
or of impatience. Let us never forget that those who
love Him are to represent Him in character.
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly
love; in honor preferring one another." "Not rendering evil
for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing
that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a
blessing." Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 3:9.
The Lord Jesus demands our acknowledgment of the
rights of every man. Men's social rights, and their rights as
Christians, are to be taken into consideration. All are to be
treated with refinement and delicacy, as the sons and daughters
of God.
Christianity will make a man a gentleman. Christ was
courteous, even to His persecutors; and His true followers
will manifest the same spirit. Look at Paul when brought
before rulers. His speech before Agrippa is an illustration
of true courtesy as well as persuasive eloquence. The gospel
does not encourage the formal politeness current with the
world, but the courtesy that springs from real kindness of
heart.
The most careful cultivation of the outward proprieties of
life is not sufficient to shut out all fretfulness, harsh judgment,
and unbecoming speech. True refinement will never be
revealed so long as self is considered as the supreme object.
Love must dwell in the heart. A thoroughgoing Christian
draws his motives of action from his deep heart love for his
Master. Up through the roots of his affection for Christ
springs an unselfish interest in his brethren. Love imparts to
its possessor grace, propriety, and comeliness of deportment.
It illuminates the countenance and subdues the voice; it refines
and elevates the whole being.
Life is chiefly made up, not of great sacrifices and
wonderful achievements, but of little things. It is oftenest through
the little things which seem so unworthy of notice that great
good or evil is brought into our lives. It is through our failure
to endure the tests that come to us in little things, that the
habits are molded, the character misshaped; and when the
greater tests come, they find us unready. Only by acting upon
principle in the tests of daily life can we acquire power to
stand firm and faithful in the most dangerous and most
difficult positions.
We are never alone. Whether we choose Him or not, we
have a companion. Remember that wherever you are, whatever
you do, God is there. Nothing that is said or done or
thought can escape His attention. To your every word or deed
you have a witness--the holy, sin-hating God. Before you
speak or act, always think of this. As a Christian, you are a
member of the royal family, a child of the heavenly King.
Say no word, do no act, that shall bring dishonor upon "that
worthy name by the which ye are called." James 2:7.
Study carefully the divine-human character, and
constantly inquire, "What would Jesus do were He in my place?"
This should be the measurement of our duty. Do not place
yourselves needlessly in the society of those who by their arts
would weaken your purpose to do right, or bring a stain upon
your conscience. Do nothing among strangers, in the street,
on the cars, in the home, that would have the least appearance
of evil. Do something every day to improve, beautify, and
ennoble the life that Christ has purchased with His own
blood.
Always act from principle, never from impulse. Temper
the natural impetuosity of your nature with meekness and
gentleness. Indulge in no lightness or trifling. Let no low
witticism escape your lips. Even the thoughts are not to be
allowed to run riot. They must be restrained, brought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ. Let them be placed upon
holy things. Then, through the grace of Christ, they will be
pure and true.
We need a constant sense of the ennobling power of pure
thoughts. The only security for any soul is right thinking. As
a man "thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7. The
power of self-restraint strengthens by exercise. That which
at first seems difficult, by constant repetition grows easy,
until right thoughts and actions become habitual. If we will
we may turn away from all that is cheap and inferior, and
rise to a high standard; we may be respected by men and
beloved of God.
Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Dwell upon
the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see
as little as possible of their errors and failings. When tempted
to complain of what someone has said or done, praise
something in that person's life or character. Cultivate thankfulness.
Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to
die for us. It never pays to think of our grievances. God
calls upon us to think of His mercy and His matchless love,
that we may be inspired with praise.
Earnest workers have no time for dwelling upon the
faults of others. We cannot afford to live on the husks of
others' faults or failings. Evilspeaking is a twofold 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. The very act of looking for evil
in others develops evil in those who look. By dwelling upon
the faults of others, we are changed into the same image.
But by beholding Jesus, talking of His love and perfection of
character, we become changed into His image. By contemplating
the lofty ideal He has placed before us, we shall be
uplifted into a pure and holy atmosphere, even the presence
of God. When we abide here, there goes forth from us a light
that irradiates all who are connected with us.
Instead of criticizing and condemning others, say, "I must
work out my own salvation. If I co-operate with Him who
desires to save my soul, I must watch myself diligently. I must
put away every evil from my life. I must overcome every
fault. I must become a new creature in Christ. Then, instead
of weakening those who are striving against evil, I can
strengthen them by encouraging words." We are too indifferent
in regard to one another. Too often we forget that
our fellow laborers are in need of strength and cheer. Take
care to assure them of your interest and sympathy. Help
them by your prayers, and let them know that you do it.
Not all who profess to be workers for Christ are true
disciples. Among those who bear His name, and who are even
numbered with His workers, are some who do not represent
Him in character. They are not governed by His principles.
These persons are often a cause of perplexity and discouragement
to their fellow workers who are young in Christian
experience; but none need be misled. Christ has given us a
perfect example. He bids us follow Him.
Till the end of time there will be tares among the wheat.
When the servants of the householder, in their zeal for his
honor, asked permission to root out the tares, the master said:
"Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the
wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest."
Matthew 13:29, 30.
In His mercy and long-suffering, God bears patiently with
the perverse and even the falsehearted. Among Christ's chosen
apostles was Judas the traitor. Should it then be a cause of
surprise or discouragement that there are falsehearted ones
among His workers today? If He who reads the heart could
bear with him who He knew was to be His betrayer, with
what patience should we bear with those at fault.
And not all, even of those who appear most faulty, are like
Judas. Peter, impetuous, hasty, and self-confident, often
appeared to far greater disadvantage than Judas did. He was
oftener reproved by the Saviour. But what a life of service
and sacrifice was his! What a testimony does it bear to the
power of God's grace! So far as we are capable, we are to be
to others what Jesus was to His disciples when He walked
and talked with them on the earth.
Regard yourselves as missionaries, first of all, among your
fellow workers. Often it requires a vast amount of time and
labor to win one soul to Christ. And when a soul turns from
sin to righteousness, there is joy in the presence of the angels.
Think you that the ministering spirits who watch over these
souls are pleased to see how indifferently they are treated by
some who claim to be Christians? Should Jesus deal with us
as we too often deal with one another, who of us could be
saved?
Remember that you cannot read hearts. You do not know
the motives which prompted the actions that to you look
wrong. There are many who have not received a right education;
their characters are warped, they are hard and gnarled,
and seem to be crooked in every way. But the grace of Christ
can transform them. Never cast them aside, never drive them
to discouragement or despair by saying, "You have
disappointed me, and I will not try to help you." A few words
spoken hastily under provocation--just what we think they
deserve--may cut the cords of influence that should have
bound their hearts to ours.
The consistent life, the patient forbearance, the spirit
unruffled under provocation, is always the most conclusive
argument and the most solemn appeal. If you have had
opportunities and advantages that have not fallen to the lot of
others, consider this, and be ever a wise, careful, gentle teacher.
In order to have the wax take a clear, strong impression of
the seal, you do not dash the seal upon it in a hasty, violent
way; you carefully place the seal on the plastic wax and
quietly, steadily press it down until it has hardened in the mold.
In like manner deal with human souls. The continuity of
Christian influence is the secret of its power, and this depends
on the steadfastness of your manifestation of the character of
Christ. Help those who have erred, by telling them of your
experiences. Show how, when you made grave mistakes,
patience, kindness, and helpfulness on the part of your fellow
workers gave you courage and hope.
Until the judgment you will never know the influence of
a kind, considerate course toward the inconsistent, the
unreasonable, the unworthy. When we meet with ingratitude and
betrayal of sacred trusts, we are roused to show our contempt
or indignation. This the guilty expect; they are prepared
for it. But kind forbearance takes them by surprise and often
awakens their better impulses and arouses a longing for a
nobler life.
"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 fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians
6:1, 2.
All who profess to be children of God should bear in mind
that as missionaries they will be brought into contact with
all classes of minds. There are the refined and the coarse, the
humble and the proud, the religious and the skeptical, the
educated and the ignorant, the rich and the poor. These
varied minds cannot be treated alike; yet all need kindness
and sympathy. By mutual contact our minds should receive
polish and refinement. We are dependent upon one another,
closely bound together by the ties of human brotherhood.
"Heaven forming each on other to depend,
A master or a servant or a friend,
Bids each on other for assistance call,
Till one man's weakness grows the strength of all."
It is through the social relations that Christianity comes in
contact with the world. Every man or woman who has
received the divine illumination is to shed light on the dark
pathway of those who are unacquainted with the better way.
Social power, sanctified by the Spirit of Christ, must be
improved in bringing souls to the Saviour. Christ is not to be
hid away in the heart as a coveted treasure, sacred and sweet,
to be enjoyed solely by the possessor. We are to have Christ
in us as a well of water, springing up into everlasting life,
refreshing all who come in contact with us.