Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 16, 1892

Love for Brethren

December 22, 1892

Portions of this manuscript are published in TDG 365.

The attribute that Christ appreciates most in man is charity (love) out of a pure heart. This is the fruit borne upon the Christian tree. “Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” [1 John 4:7.] The Lord Jesus has said, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:34, 35.] 7LtMs, Ms 16, 1892, par. 1

When enshrouded in the cloudy pillar He spake to the children of Israel through Moses: “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt not in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord.” [Leviticus 19:17, 18.] “These things I command you, that ye love one another.” [John 15:17.] 7LtMs, Ms 16, 1892, par. 2

If you are Bible Christians, each will have as great an interest for his brother workman as for himself. The work of giving the bread of life to souls that are ready to perish should be all absorbing, keeping the hearts of the workers kind and tender to one another. True Christian courtesy needs to be cultivated; the mind and heart must be educated and trained by deeds of kindness to have an unselfish interest in every laborer in the work. 7LtMs, Ms 16, 1892, par. 3

Regard yourselves as missionaries, not among heathen, but among your own brethren. It requires a vast amount of time and labor to convince one soul in regard to the truth. How much money has been expended in efforts to turn men and women from sin to righteousness! And when souls are brought into the truth, what takes place in heaven? There is more joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner that repenteth than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance. Think you that the ministering angels who watch over these souls are pleased to see how indifferently they are treated by those who claim to be Christians? 7LtMs, Ms 16, 1892, par. 4

The angels look with awe and amazement upon the mission of Christ to our world. They marvel at the love that moved Him to give Himself a sacrifice for the sins of the world. But how lightly do men regard the purchase of His blood. We need to study the Bible diligently that we may learn the real value of man in the light of the cross of Calvary. Jesus said, “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones that believe in Me; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” [Matthew 18:10, 11.] 7LtMs, Ms 16, 1892, par. 5

Christ will not uphold you in manifesting disrespect toward one soul for whom He paid the ransom of His own life. Expel that unkind thought that would frame itself into words. Give no place to envy, jealousy, or evil surmising. Let no un-Christlike expression be registered in the books of heaven against you. If Jesus is abiding in you, angry feelings will have no place in the heart. You will look with rejoicing upon every soul that has accepted Christ, and you will manifest toward others the love that Christ has revealed to lost humanity. 7LtMs, Ms 16, 1892, par. 6

Study to show yourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed. If you keep yourselves in the love of God, an influence will surround the soul which will be a savour of life unto life. You are to watch for souls as they that must give an account. Let there be no blundering work in dealing with human minds. These souls are to be molded and fashioned for the heavenly kingdom; the superscription of God is to be upon them. Let every one who names the name of Christ be careful not to put his own human mold upon precious souls. They are the Lord’s chosen ones; let the word spoken to them be carefully considered. All who have manifested passion or impatience should repent before God that they have given an unworthy example to those who need their help, who need to be built up in the most holy faith. Whoever neglects to cultivate fervent piety, that he may represent Christ, is working away from Christ and is not a laborer together with God. 7LtMs, Ms 16, 1892, par. 7

We must beware that our piety does not become narrow, bigoted, and hard, as it surely will if we are wholly absorbed in our own interest. All that we do has an influence upon others, and wisely and mercifully are we commanded to care for the things of others, not to covet them, but to the end that others may prosper and grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. We should be ready to aid them in their advancement by imparting the knowledge we have gained. 7LtMs, Ms 16, 1892, par. 8

Those who are manifesting this spirit are representing Christ. Their interest and their prayers reach far beyond self, they embrace the world. They themselves are growing as they try to help others. They become familiar with the largest plans and the most stirring enterprises; and how can they but grow when they thus place themselves in the divine channel of light and blessing? Such ones receive wisdom from heaven. They become more and more identified with Christ in all His plans, and themselves become living channels of light. There is no chance for spiritual sloth or stagnation. They do not grow cold and backslide. 7LtMs, Ms 16, 1892, par. 9

They keep eternal realities in view. Selfish ambition, low self-seeking, is rebuked by perpetual contact with the more absorbing interests, more elevated aspirations, which belong to higher and holier activities. These souls are Christians, growing up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. 7LtMs, Ms 16, 1892, par. 10

If you are thus following Christ, there is in you a humble confidence Godward as you stand. 7LtMs, Ms 16, 1892, par. 11