Pacific Union Recorder
June 9, 1904
Love for the Erring
Christ came to this world to bring salvation within the reach of all. Upon the cross of Calvary He paid the redemption-price for a lost world. His self-denial and sacrifice, His humiliation, His death on the cross, testify to the depth of His love for fallen man. It was to seek and save the lost that He came to this world. His mission was to save sinners,—sinners of every grade, of every tongue and nation. He paid the price for all, to ransom them, and bring them into union and sympathy with Himself. The most erring, the most sinful, were not passed by. His labors were especially for those who most needed the salvation that He came to bring. The greater the need of reform, the deeper was His interest, the greater His sympathy, and the more earnest His efforts. His heart of love was stirred to its depths for those whose condition was most hopeless, and who most needed His transforming grace. PUR June 9, 1904, par. 1
In the parable of the lost sheep is represented the wonderful love of Christ for the erring, wandering ones. He does not choose to remain with those who accept His salvation, bestowing all His efforts upon them, and receiving their gratitude and love. The true shepherd leaves the flock that loves Him, and goes out into the wilderness, enduring hardship, and facing danger and death, to seek and save the sheep that has wandered from the fold, and that must perish if not brought back. When, after diligent search, the lost is found, the shepherd, though suffering from weariness, pain, and hunger, does not drive it along, but, O wondrous love! he tenderly gathers it into his arms, and, placing it upon his shoulder, bears it back to the fold. Then he calls upon his neighbors to rejoice with him over the lost that is found. PUR June 9, 1904, par. 2
The parable of the prodigal son, and that of the lost piece of silver, teach the same lesson. Every soul that is especially imperiled by falling into temptation, causes pain to the heart of Christ, and calls forth His tenderest sympathy and most earnest labor. Over one sinner that repents His joy is greater than over the ninety and nine who need no repentance. PUR June 9, 1904, par. 3
This lesson is for us. We are not to meet misery and repentance with reproach and distrust. With the same compassion and sympathy that Jesus manifested toward us when we sought His pardoning love, we are to welcome the wanderer as he returns to His Father's house. PUR June 9, 1904, par. 4
Christ has linked His interests with those of humanity, and He asks us to become one with Him for the saving of the lost. “Freely ye have received,” He says, “freely give.” Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. There are many who err, and who feel their shame and folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, “This does not concern me.” PUR June 9, 1904, par. 5
“Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.” By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balm to the bruised and wounded one. Many have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God. PUR June 9, 1904, par. 6
Ellen G. White