LASTING IMPRESSIONS THROUGH LOVE
In His providence God impresses people to attend our
tent meetings and church services. Some come from curiosity,
others to criticize or ridicule. Often they are convicted
of sin. The word spoken in the spirit of love makes a lasting
impression on them. How carefully, then, should these meetings
be conducted. The words spoken should be of authority,
that the Holy Spirit can impress them on minds. The speaker
who is controlled by the Spirit of God has a sacred dignity,
and his words are a savor of life unto life. Let not unsuitable
illustrations or anecdotes be introduced into the discourse.
Let the words spoken be for the edification of the hearers.
CUTTING BY THE TRUTH, NOT BY OUR WORDS
In the presentation of unpopular truth, which involves a
heavy cross, preachers should be careful that every word is
as God would have it. Their words should never cut. They
should present the truth in humility, with the deepest love
for souls and an earnest desire for their salvation, and let
the truth cut.
REFORMATION, NOT EXASPERATION
God is calling for reformers who will speak strong, uplifting
words from our pulpits. It is when men speak their
own words in their own strength, instead of preaching the
Word of God in the power of the Spirit, that they are hurt and
offended when their words are not received with enthusiasm.
It is then that they are tempted to speak words that will
arouse a spirit of bitterness and opposition in their hearers.
My brethren, be advised. Such words are not to come from
the lips of Christ’s ambassadors. Sanctified lips will speak
words that reform, but do not exasperate. The truth is to be
presented in the meekness and love of Christ.
FROM BROKEN, CONTRITE HEARTS
My brethren, let your hearts become broken and contrite.
Let expressions of sympathy and love, which will not blister
the tongue, flow from your lips.
SPIRITUALITY IN PREACHING
Brother B’s preaching has not been marked by the sanction
of God’s Spirit. He can talk fluently and make a point plain, but his preaching has lacked spirituality. His appeals
have not touched the heart with a new tenderness. There has
been an array of words, but the hearts of his hearers have
not been quickened and melted with a sense of a Saviour’s
love.
FOR TEACHERS, THE GENTLENESS OF CHRIST
I have an earnest desire that you shall every day be
learning of the Great Teacher. If you will first draw nigh to
God and then to your students, you can do a very precious
work. If you are diligent and humble, God will daily give you
knowledge and an aptitude to teach. Do your very best to
impart to others the blessings He has given you.
NO PASSIONATE WORD OR GESTURE
In educating the children and youth, teachers should not
allow one passionate word or gesture to mar their work, for
in so doing they imbue the students with the same spirit
which they themselves possess.
NO IRRITATION BY TEACHERS
Instructors who are under the discipline of God receive
grace and truth and light through the Holy Spirit to communicate
to the children. They are under the greatest Teacher
the world has ever known, and how unbecoming it would
be for them to have an unkind spirit, a sharp voice, full of
irritation! In this they would perpetuate their own defects in
the children.
NO LACK OF KINDNESS, EVEN TO EVILDOERS
If the teacher, through the grace of Christ, is self-controlled,
and holds the lines with a steady, patient hand, he
will quell the boisterous element, keep his self-respect, and
command the respect of his students. When once order is
restored, let kindness, gentleness, and affection be manifested.
It may be that rebellion will rise again and again, but
let not the hasty temper appear. Do not speak sharply to the
evildoer, and discourage a soul who is struggling with the
powers of darkness.
This article is excerpted from the book The Voice in Speech and
Song, pp. 209-212 by Ellen G. White.
