Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #2 — Christ’s Empathy With The Marginalized

Picture: Counsel #2 — Christ’s Empathy With The Marginalized CI 43.1

As we read in the Old Testament prophets’ writings, we see that God is the defender of the foreigner, the poor, the stranger, the widow, and the orphan, while the wicked delight in the oppression of the weak and powerless (Psalms 10). CI 43.2

This is because naturally, we only love and idolize ourselves. “Self” covets power over others and it’s the core of hatred, rivalry, and supremacy. The natural human heart covets status, distinctions and hierarchies, but the lifestyle of Christ eliminates any social ranking (Galatians 3:28, 29). He offers victory over the temptation of distinctions to every person who bears His name.^[39] CI 43.3

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted. To proclaim liberty to the captives, [a]nd the opening of the prison to those who are bound; [t]o proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, [a]nd the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn.” Isaiah 61:1, 2 NKJV CI 43.4

“All are one in Christ. Birth, station, nationality, or color cannot elevate or degrade man. The character makes the man.” Ellen White in Selected Messages, book 2, p. 342 CI 43.5

Reflect: Are you willing to stand up for and protect the marginalized of society as Jesus did? CI 43.6