Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]

Avoid Harshness Toward Erring Ones

You are in a position where you can do much good. As you fill your position as elder of the church, be true and kind to God in the person of the erring ones in the church. Bear in mind, my brother, that you should not fail to heed the admonition of the Spirit of God to bring into your heart all the kindness, all the tenderness, all the love of Christ. Do not cherish a cold, unsympathetic spirit. Let your words be carefully chosen. Speak and act so that you will have a great influence for good over the church members. 15MR 167.2

God desires you to avoid all harshness. Cover yourself with the robe of Christ's righteousness. Speak the truth in love, and in so doing you will be a blessing. Do not allow a rash spirit to control your words. May the Lord soften and subdue your heart, that your words shall be a blessing to the church.—Letter 100, 1901, p. 1. (Written July 29, 1901, from St. Helena, California, to Brother Mills.) 15MR 167.3