This is an excerpt from a longer article that appeared in the Review and Herald in 1902. A similar article was published in the Southern Worker, however there are some slight differences between them.
Mrs. E. G. White
"There is never a time when it is right for you or me to say, “I will not forgive my brother; I will not walk in fellowship with him.” He who does this places himself in opposition to the teachings of Christ."
Many things that do not now appear in a correct light, will be made plain in the day of the Lord. But the question of forgiveness needs not to be interpreted. There is never a time when it is right for you or me to say, “I will not forgive my brother; I will not walk in fellowship with him.” He who does this places himself in opposition to the teachings of Christ. If your brother does you an injustice ignorantly, and then holds out the hand of fellowship, saying, “If I have erred and have done you an injury, forgive me,” and you draw away from him, refusing to forgive, you walk away from the great Counselor, and need yourself to repent and be forgiven. {RH April 8, 1902, par. 1} If he does you an injury knowingly, and afterward repents, saying, “Forgive me,” it is not for you to turn away, refusing to forgive because you may think that he does not feel humble enough, and does not mean what he says. You have no right to judge him, for you cannot read the heart. {RH April 8, 1902, par. 2}
" Just as often as God forgives us, we are to forgive one another."
If a brother errs, forgive him if he asks you. If he is not humble enough to ask, forgive him in your heart, and express your forgiveness in word and action. Then the weight of his sin will not in any degree rest on you. “Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” “If he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” And we are not only to forgive seven times, but seventy times seven. Just as often as God forgives us, we are to forgive one another. {RH April 8, 1902, par. 3}
"One man is never to say to another, “When I see that you have reformed, then I will forgive you.” This is not God’s plan."
One man is never to say to another, “When I see that you have reformed, then I will forgive you.” This is not God’s plan. This is in accordance with the promptings of human nature. By showing that you do not desire fellowship with your brother, you not only hurt his soul and your own, but you also wound and bruise the heart of Christ. {RH April 8, 1902, par. 4}
While hatred is cherished, there is not an iota of love in the heart; therefore when a man has an offering to present to God, he is to clear away all hatred, that his path may not be blocked. If he humbles his heart before God, confessing his mistake in giving way to the passion which opened the door for Satan to enter and take control of the mind, God will forgive his sin and accept his offering. {RH April 8, 1902, par. 5}
Christ sees that little heed is paid to his instruction. His people come to him in prayer, asking favors of him, while at the same time they are cherishing hatred against their brethren, not only thinking, but speaking evil of them. God cannot bless them; for they refuse to put out of the way that which causes discord and variance. They would not appreciate the blessing of God should he give it to them as they desire. {RH April 8, 1902, par. 6}
"O how much better it would be if church members would humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, seeking to remove everything that hinders pure, loving fellowship."
O how much better it would be if church members would humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, seeking to remove everything that hinders pure, loving fellowship. Christ points his followers to the path of self-sacrifice and self-surrender. Those who walk in this path not only help themselves, but help their brethren and sisters, clearing away the cloud of misunderstanding which Satan throws across the pathway. {RH April 8, 1902, par. 7}
"Act your part in the work of confession. It is not your brother’s sin that you are to confess, but your own. In doing this, you are making straight paths for his feet, and softened and subdued, he will fall on the Rock, and be broken."
My brethren and sisters, prepare the way, that you may come to God and be forgiven. Act your part in the work of confession. It is not your brother’s sin that you are to confess, but your own. In doing this, you are making straight paths for his feet, and softened and subdued, he will fall on the Rock, and be broken. And the Lord will look with pleasure on the offerings brought to him. {RH April 8, 1902, par. 8}
Study the Saviour’s words, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case”—whatever your position—“enter into the kingdom of heaven.” The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was of a selfish character, consisting of external forms. The righteousness which God requires is internal as well as external. The heart must be purified, else Christ cannot be enthroned there. The life must be conformed to the will of God. {RH April 8, 1902, par. 9}
"There is no need to marvel that the church is not vivified by the Holy Spirit’s power. Men and women are setting aside the instruction Christ has given."
There is no need to marvel that the church is not vivified by the Holy Spirit’s power. Men and women are setting aside the instruction Christ has given. Anger and covetousness are obtaining the victory. The soul-temple is full of wickedness. There is no room for Christ. Men follow their own perverse ways. They will not heed the words of the Saviour. They take themselves into their own hands, rejecting reproofs and warnings, until the candlestick is moved out of its place, and spiritual discernment is confused by human ideas. Though deficient in service, they justify themselves, saying, “The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord are we.” They set the law of God aside to follow the light of their own imagination. {RH April 8, 1902, par. 10}
“Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand: ye shall lie down in sorrow.” {RH April 8, 1902, par. 11}
"Christ came from heaven to teach the word which his Father committed to him for the fallen members of his family. Those who hear and obey walk in safe paths, under the protection of the Lord of heaven."
God is true to his covenant with his people. His word is infallible. His people bring suffering on themselves by forsaking his counsel for their own human wisdom. It is impossible for their prayers to reach his throne, because the rebellion of disobedience is the substance of their petitions. Christ came from heaven to teach the word which his Father committed to him for the fallen members of his family. Those who hear and obey walk in safe paths, under the protection of the Lord of heaven. Through the power of Christ they are victorious over every foe. Those who do faithful, unselfish service for God will be blessed in their unity, as they work in obedience to Jehovah. {RH April 8, 1902, par. 12}—Mrs. E. G. White, Review and Herald, April 8, 1902