Quotations on Witnessing

Ye Are My Witnesses

Isaiah 43:10 (NKJV) 10 “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me.

 

 

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Selected Thoughts on Witnessing

Must Be Emptied Of Self, Manifesting Meekness

"It is a solemn, serious matter to select missionaries for foreign countries. The men whom God will accept for this work must be as true as steel to principle. They must be men who are emptied of self, men who give evidence that they are wearing Christ’s yoke and manifesting His meekness and lowliness of heart. {TSA 96.1}
The very best talent is required in such fields as Africa and Australia. We have to work in and through Christ, and in some places with the consent of the corrupt churches, although we cannot respect their claims, wherever the church is managed by the state. {TSA 96.2} We have to use wisdom in representing the truth; our speech must be tempered, else we cut ourselves off from gaining access to those who need help. The wisdom of angelic agencies must be imparted to human instrumentalities, else the door will be closed to the message the people need. “Be ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” {TSA 96.3} The Word of God is to be lived as well as preached. It is to be brought into every phase of the Christian work done in this world. The men God has appointed to do His work must be emptied of self. Let Jesus in. Open the door of the heart to the heavenly Guest. Let no man be looked up to as God. When those who come nigh God in service are consecrated, cleansed, and purified, approaching nearer and still nearer the divine benevolence, they can voice the commission of God, and be respected {TSA 96.4}

Success In Apparent Failure

"He who knows the depths of the world's misery and despair, knows by what means to bring relief. He sees on every hand souls in darkness, bowed down with sin and sorrow and pain. But He sees also their possibilities; He sees the height to which they may attain. Although human beings have abused their mercies, wasted their talents, and lost the dignity of godlike manhood, the Creator is to be glorified in their redemption. Ed 270.1  The burden of labor for these needy ones in the rough places of the earth Christ lays upon those who can feel for the ignorant and for such as are out of the way. He will be present to help those whose hearts are susceptible to pity, though their hands may be rough and unskilled. He will work through those who can see mercy in misery, and gain in loss. When the Light of the world passes by, privilege will be discerned in hardship, order in confusion, success in apparent failure. Calamities will be seen as disguised blessings; woes, as mercies. Laborers from the common people, sharing the sorrows of their fellow men as their Master shared the sorrows of the whole human race, will by faith see Him working with them." Ed 270.2

The Work To Be Done

"As a panorama, there passed before me cities and towns, where large and small tents were pitched. There were laborers in the ministry presenting truth, not in long, labored discourses, but short talks right to the point, then calling for all who were not satisfied that they were prepared for Christ’s coming, and all who were feeling burdened and heavy laden, to come into a tent apart by themselves. This is the work to be done. Let those who are spiritual converse with these poor, precious souls. Pray with them and for them. Hold on to the work; do not let go. Visit from house to house, keeping your own souls in the love of God." {Advocate March 1, 1899, par. 2}

What is a Genuine Missionary?

Matthew 10:5-10 (NKJV) 5 "These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food."

"Oh, how much we need genuine missionaries! How much we need men and women who will labor under the supervision of the Almighty, in the power of His Spirit! How much we need those who know that God has called them to His service! It is when the work goes hard, that living missionaries reveal by their courage and fortitude and their trust in God that they are led and taught by the Holy Spirit. These are the laborers whom God can bless, to the salvation of many precious souls." {Ms107-1906.25}

Work in Simple and Hopeful Ways

Zechariah 9:12 "Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;"

Isaiah 11:6 "and a little child shall lead them."

"Those who have the out pouring of the gospel of Christ which comes from the heart imbued by His Holy Spirit will give light and comfort and hope to hearts that are hungering and thirsting for righteousness. It is not excitement we wish to create, but deep, earnest consideration, that those who hear shall do solid work, real, sound, genuine work that will be enduring as eternity. We hunger not for excitement, for the sensational; the less we have of this, the better. The calm, earnest reasoning from the scriptures is precious and fruitful. Here is the secret of success, in preaching a living, personal Saviour in so simple and earnest a manner that the people may be able to lay hold by faith of the power of the word of life. [Preach] ... the truth, substantiated by the authority of the living word, which is the power of God unto salvation. Ellen G. White, Paulson Collection, 101.3 

The Best Medicine

John 20:21 "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you."

"The best medicine you can give the church is not preaching or sermonizing, but planning work for them. If set to work, the despondent would soon forget their despondency, the weak would become strong, the ignorant intelligent, and all would be prepared to present the truth as it is in Jesus. They would find an unfailing helper in him who has promised to save all who come unto him." {RH June 25, 1895, par. 7}

God Uses Those Who Are Meek And Lowly In Heart

Matthew 11:29 "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

"Just as soon as a worker departs from the simplicity of the truth, the Lord ceases to use him and works through those who are meek and lowly in heart. He who is the light and life of the gospel was made flesh and dwelt among us. A sympathizer with humanity, He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and went about through all the cities of the land doing good to men. All our works are to be wrought in Christ. By becoming partakers of His nature, His followers are to work His works. The ministry of Christ for men was the interpretation of His great commission to the disciples: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” [Verse 15.] {Ms1-1908.17}

Power will Be Provided

Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

"Our Saviour has provided that those who go forth to fulfill his commission of preaching the gospel to the world, shall not go without the divine unction. He has said, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” If men would come to God and make an entire surrender to him in full assurance of faith, they would have grace to do the great work committed to them." {ST June 9, 1890, par. 5}

Let's Put Ourselves In Their Place

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV) 10 "For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death."

"As we see souls out of Christ, we are to put ourselves in their place, and in their behalf feel repentance before God, resting not until we bring them to repentance. If we do everything we can for them, and yet they do not repent, the sin lies at their door; but we are still to feel sorrow of heart because of their condition, showing them how to repent, and trying to lead them step by step to Jesus Christ. Let us tell them that His arms are open to receive them, and that His promise is, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] {Ms92-1901.8}

Get Right To The Point

"There is a great power in Jesus. Now, when we go into the house, we should not begin to talk of frivolous things, but come right to the point and say, I want you to love Jesus, for He has first loved you. And as Brother Starr has said, Take along the publications and ask them to read. When they see that you are sincere, they will not despise any of your efforts. There is a way to reach the hardest hearts. Approach in the simplicity and sincerity and humility that will help us to reach the souls of them for whom Christ died. We do not want to be negligent in this work." {Ms10-1888.10}

Encourage Cheerfulness To Encourage Others

Matt. 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

"I hope you will encourage cheerfulness, thus showing that you have confidence in God. I want you to let your light shine in clear, distinct rays. There are many in our churches who have precious light that the people need. There are some who, if there is discouragement in any line, are sure to express this. This is not the right way to do. Those who do not work in hopefulness keep themselves under a cloud of doubt. The enemy is not dead yet, and the nearer we come to the close of this earth’s history, the more vigilant will be the efforts of satanic agencies to keep souls under a cloud of doubt, so that the light of heaven shall not be expressed in words and acts, to bring hope and cheer and courage to others. {Lt348-1908.3}
"You are not to wait for perfect assurance before you become the Lord’s light-bearer to the world. You have naturally a despondent temperament to deal with, and the Lord calls upon you to take your light from under the bushel, and let it give light to all that are in the house. You have precious victories to gain. Do not spoil your religious experience by dwelling upon the dark side and talking impossibility. Light is to shine in precious, encouraging words to all that are in the house. {Lt348-1908.4}
"Take heed, my brother, to the words of the One who is the light of the world: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16.] The world is full of hurry and disappointment. The words are addressed to you, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The words in favor of truth, spoken with the assurance that comes from the possession of a right purpose, and in cheerful hope, from a pure heart, will make the angels rejoice. When in the day of final awards the reward is given to each as his works have been, it is your privilege to have redeemed souls, whom you have been the means of helping, come to you, and say, “You lifted me out of discouragement.” And the Master will say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant, ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” [Matthew 25:23.]" {Lt348-1908.5}

Kind, Encouraging, Words Will Do Wonders

"In the work of helping others, we may gain most precious victories. We should devote ourselves with untiring zeal, with earnest fidelity, with self-denial, and with patience to the work of helping those who need to develop. Kind, encouraging words will do wonders. There are many who, if a constant, cheerful effort is put forth in their behalf, without faultfinding or chiding, will show themselves susceptible of improvement. The less we criticize others, the greater will be our influence over them for good. To many, frequent, positive admonitions will do more harm than good. Let Christlike kindness be enjoined upon all." {Lt113-1905.6}

Believe In Them

"We live in a hard, unfeeling, uncharitable world. Satan and his confederacy are plying every art to seduce the souls for whom Christ has given his precious life. Every one who loves God in sincerity and truth, will love the souls for whom Christ has died. If we wish to do good to souls, our success with these souls will be in proportion to their belief in our confidence in them and appreciation of them. Respect shown to the struggling human soul is the sure means through Christ Jesus of the restoration of the self-respect the man has lost. Our advancing ideas of what he may become is a help we can not ourselves fully appreciate. We have need of the rich grace of God every hour, then we will have a rich, practical experience, for God is love." {Lt50-1893}

Become Useful And Successful Everywhere

Rom. 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."

"We need not begin the work by trying to love one another. The love of Christ in the heart is what is needed. Self is in need of being crucified. When self is submerged in Christ, true love springs forth spontaneously. It is not an emotion or an impulse, but a decision of a sanctified will. It consists not in feeling, but in the transformation of the whole heart, soul, and character, which is dead to self and alive unto God. Our Lord and Saviour asks us to give ourselves to Him. Surrendering self to God is all He requires, giving ourselves to Him to be employed as He sees fit. Until we come to this point of surrender, we shall not work happily, usefully, or successfully anywhere." {Lt97-1898.22}

Additional Quotations On Witnessing

These quotations come from the writings of Ellen G. White unless otherwise indicated.

 

The Love Of Christ Melts The Hardened Heart

"The followers of Christ are to labor as He did. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and inspire hope in the hopeless. And to us also the promise will be fulfilled, “Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.” Isaiah 58:8. The love of Christ, manifested in unselfish ministry, will be more effective in reforming the evildoer than will the sword or the court of justice. These are necessary to strike terror to the lawbreaker, but the loving missionary can do more than this. Often the heart will harden under reproof; but it will melt under the love of Christ. The missionary cannot only relieve physical maladies, but he can lead the sinner to the Great Physician, who can cleanse the soul from the leprosy of sin. Through His servants, God designs that the sick, the unfortunate, those possessed of evil spirits, shall hear His voice. Through His human agencies He desires to be a Comforter such as the world knows not." {DA 350.4}

Band Together For Success!

Matthew 18:19 “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.”

"Why do not believers feel a deeper, more earnest concern for those who are out of Christ? Why do not two or three meet together and plead with God for the salvation of some special one, and then for still another? In our churches let companies be formed for service. Let different ones unite in labor as fishers of men. Let them seek to gather souls from the corruption of the world into the saving purity of Christ’s love. {7T 21.3}  The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort has been presented to me by One who cannot err. If there is a large number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies, to work not only for the church members, but for unbelievers. If in one place there are only two or three who know the truth, let them form themselves into a band of workers. Let them keep their bond of union unbroken, pressing together in love and unity, encouraging one another to advance, each gaining courage and strength from the assistance of the others. Let them reveal Christlike forbearance and patience, speaking no hasty words, using the talent of speech to build one another up in the most holy faith. Let them labor in Christlike love for those outside the fold, forgetting self in their endeavor to help others. As they work and pray in Christ’s name, their numbers will increase; for the Saviour says: “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 18:19. {7T 21.4}

Not Forcing Any Special Doctrine [With Health Work]

We make it a point not to force any special doctrine upon them. We leave them, after we have done our duty and while we are doing it, leave them for Christ Himself to make the impression. {Ms 114, 1909, par. 5}

Sin Is Not To Be Cloaked

"Sin is not to be cloaked as a matter of little consequence. It is to be presented as guilt against the Son of God, <depriving Him of the glory that should be given Him.> The exceeding sinfulness of sin is to be held before the people just as it is. Then show them the uplifting Saviour, telling them that immortality comes only through belief in Christ, through receiving Him as a personal Saviour. Immortality is found in Christ alone." {Lt10-1899.}

Truth Must Be Repeated

"In order that it may act most effectively, the truth must be often repeated."  {Lt10-1899.}

Sanctified Ability Is Required To Gather The Ripe Sheaves

"It requires sanctified ability, tact, and skill to gather in the ripe sheaves. He that winneth souls is wise. We want men who believe the truth for this time, who are doers of the Word. Souls are perishing out of Christ. Many are weary and heavy laden with sin. They do not feel safe in their religious faith. Pray for them; teach them how to believe, how to claim the promises. It is the privilege of every worker first to talk with God in the closet and then to talk with the people as God’s mouthpiece. We must receive light and blessing, that we may have something to impart. Men and women who commune with God, who have an abiding Christ, make the very ground they walk on holy because they are cooperating with holy angels, who minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation, are needed for this time. We need the melting power of God, the power to draw with Christ. The deep love of God must be expressed in words of encouragement, in words of intercession." {Lt10-1899.}

The Fragrance of Christ Cannot Be Hidden

John 20:26 "And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you."

"When the love of Christ is enshrined in the heart, like sweet fragrance it cannot be hidden. The holy influence it reflects through the character will be manifest to all. Christ will be formed within, “the hope of glory.” His light and his love will be there; his presence will be felt. There have been times when the blessing of God has been bestowed in answer to prayer, so that when others have come into the room, no sooner did they step over the threshold than they exclaimed. “The Lord is here!” Not a word had been uttered; but the blessed influence of God’s holy presence was sensibly felt. The joy that comes from Jesus Christ was there; and in this sense the Lord had been in the room just as verily as he walked through the streets of Jerusalem, or appeared to the disciples when they were in the upper chamber, and said, “Peace be unto you.” {RH January 4, 1887, par. 7}

Home Missionaries

"When the work of the judgment is finished, and decisions have been made for eternity, it will be seen that those who have given themselves whole-heartedly to the service of God are the ones who stand right with heaven. Some of these may not have been able to leave their families to go to distant mission fields, but they have been missionaries in their own neighborhood. Their hearts have been so filled with the love of God that their great anxiety has been to win souls for him. This has been more to them than silver and gold and the precious things of this world. And as they have labored in simplicity to minister the word of truth, the Spirit of God has sent home the word to the hearts of the people." {RH January 20, 1910, par. 9}

Use Few, Well Chosen Words!

2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

"Those who accept Christ as their Redeemer will work earnestly for the salvation of those whom He has redeemed with His blood. The sacrifice of Christ has revealed the value of the human soul, and Christians will reveal a deep, unselfish interest in those who are perishing in sin. Of whatever crime one may have been guilty, do not, for Christ’s sake, show a readiness to make their guilt appear in the worst light. Show pity and sympathy for them; for to save them, Christ paid the price of His own blood. Let those who have opportunity to speak to such a one direct his attention to Christ, the friend of sinners. Let their words be few and well chosen, and let them reveal the lovingkindness of the Saviour." {Ms96-1904.9}

Unselfish Care and Training For Heaven

Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? 37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."

"Few have a true sense of what is comprised in the word Christian. It is to be Christlike, to do others good, to be divested of all selfishness, and to have our lives marked with acts of disinterested benevolence. Our Redeemer places souls in the arms of the church, for the members to care for unselfishly, and train them for heaven, and thus be co-workers with Him. But the church too often thrusts them away upon Satan’s battlefield. One member will say, “It is not my duty,” and bring up some trifling excuse. And another will say, “It is not my duty;” and finally it is no one’s duty, and the soul is left to perish. It is the duty of every Christian to engage in the self-denying, self-sacrificing enterprise of saving souls, and every man’s work is to be tested, and brought into judgment, and he is to be rewarded as his works have been." {Ms14-1889.6}

Holy Living Speaks More Eloquently Than The Best Sermon

"The power of holiness, seen but not boasted of, speaks more eloquently than the most able sermons. It speaks of God and opens to men their duty more powerfully than mere words can do." {Lt39-1887.25}

Use Godly Subject Matter

Matthew 24:3 "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet."

"The words of Christ’s discourse from the Mount of Olives is your lesson to take in and impart to the people, high or low. And every sanctified heart and mind can become a channel of light to awaken an interest by taking the discourses and presenting them just as they are given in the Word, and then present them to the people as of the utmost importance, coming from the lips of the divine Teacher. How easy to be understood, how simple. If these discourses were dwelt upon in giving them the exact words, which the disciples did do, they realized that a divine power worked on human minds. If there were not another word often presented on different occasions in outdoor labor, these words would, if received and practiced, be to the saving souls." {Ms139-1906.7}

Bring Them One by One Into God's Presence

2 Thess. 3: 1 "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:"

"In following any plan that may be set in operation for carrying to others a knowledge of present truth, and of the marvelous providences connected with the advancing cause, let us first consecrate ourselves fully to Him whose name we wish to exalt. Let us also pray earnestly in behalf of those whom we expect to visit, by living faith, bringing them, one by one, into the presence of God. The Lord knows the thoughts and purposes of man, and how easily He can melt us! How His Spirit, like a fire, can subdue the flinty heart! How He can fill the soul with love and tenderness! How He can give us the graces of His <Holy> Spirit, and fit us to go in and out, in laboring for souls! The power of overcoming grace should be felt throughout the church today; and it may be felt, if we take heed to the counsels of Christ to His followers. As we learn to adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour, we shall surely see of the salvation of God." {Ms2-1914.12}

Christ Will Give Success!

Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen."

"Christ did not tell His disciples that their work would be easy. He showed them the vast confederacy of evil arrayed against them. They would have to fight “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12. But they would not be left to fight alone. He assured them that He would be with them; and that if they would go forth in faith, they should move under the shield of Omnipotence. He bade them be brave and strong; for One mightier than angels would be in their ranks—the General of the armies of heaven. He made full provision for the prosecution of their work and took upon Himself the responsibility of its success. So long as they obeyed His word, and worked in connection with Him, they could not fail. Go to all nations, He bade them. Go to the farthest part of the habitable globe and be assured that My presence will be with you even there. Labor in faith and confidence; for the time will never come when I will forsake you. I will be with you always, helping you to perform your duty, guiding, comforting, sanctifying, sustaining you, giving you success in speaking words that shall draw the attention of others to heaven." {AA 29.1}

Witnessing: Our Greatest Joy  And Highest Service

Colossians 1:26 "Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:"

"In our life here, earthly, sin restricted tho it is, the greatest joy and the highest education are in service. And in the future state, untrammeled by the limitations of sinful humanity, it is in service that our greatest joy and our highest education will be found,—witnessing, and ever as we witness learning anew “the riches of the glory of this mystery,” “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” {ST April 21, 1909, par. 1}

He Reviled Not

1 Peter 2:23 "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:"

"We are never to forget that we are representatives of Christ. We are to use no carnal weapons when unbelieving and deluded souls come among us. We are not even to insinuate anything against those who shall come into our assemblies. Not an unkind or discourteous word, defensive or offensive, should escape our lips or be traced by our pen. When reviled, we are not to revile again. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” [1 John 5:4.]" {Lt18-1895.10}

Kind Words Will Do Wonders

Colossians 3:12 (NKJV) "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection."

"In the work of helping others, we may gain most precious victories. We should devote ourselves with untiring zeal, with earnest fidelity, with self-denial, and with patience to the work of helping those who need to develop. Kind, encouraging words will do wonders. There are many who, if a constant, cheerful effort is put forth in their behalf, without faultfinding or chiding, will show themselves susceptible of improvement. The less we criticize others, the greater will be our influence over them for good. To many, frequent, positive admonitions will do more harm than good. Let Christlike kindness be enjoined upon all." {Lt113-1905.6}

Christ Is Responsible For Our Success

Psalms 126:5-6 (KJV) 5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

"If men in humble life had been encouraged to do all the good that they could do, if men had not laid restraining hands upon them, and continually repressed their zeal, there would now be a hundred workers where there is one. The one who loves Christ the most will do the greatest amount of good. We have a large work to do for the Master in new and untried places, but if we will move in faith, trusting in God, we shall find that Jesus will be the Chief Workman. He has taken upon Himself the responsibility of our success. Christ’s last words to His disciples, who were depositaries for His truth, was to be conveyed to all the world. He said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” [Verses 19, 20.] {Ms42-1895.9}

Love Is Power

1 Corinthians 16:14 (NKJV) 14 "Let all that you do be done with love."

"Love is power. Intellectual and moral strength are involved in this principle, and cannot be separated from it. The power of wealth has a tendency to corrupt and destroy; the power of force is strong to do hurt; but the excellence and value of pure love consist in its efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else but good. Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God measures more with how much love one worketh, than the amount he doeth. Love is of God. The unconverted heart cannot originate nor produce this plant of heavenly growth, which lives alone, and flourishes only where Christ reigns. Love cannot live without action, and every act increases, strengthens, and extends it. Love will prevail and gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless. Love works not for profit nor reward; yet God has ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every labor of love. It is diffusive in its nature, and quiet in its operation, yet strong and mighty in its purpose to overcome great evils. It is melting and transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of the sinful, and affect their hearts when every other means has proved unsuccessful. Wherever the power of intellect, of authority, of force, is employed, and love is not manifestly present, the affections and will of those whom we seek to reach, assume a defensive, repelling position, and increase their strength of resistance as they are met by another power than love. Jesus was the Prince of Peace. He came into the world to bring resistance and authority into subjection to himself. Wisdom and strength he could command, but the means he employed to overcome evil were wisdom and strength of love." { RH May 11, 1886, par. 1 }

 

 

 

Believe In Them

John 8:10-11 (KJV) 10 "When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

"We live in a hard, unfeeling, uncharitable world. Satan and his confederacy are plying every art to seduce the souls for whom Christ has given his precious life. Every one who loves God in sincerity and truth, will love the souls for whom Christ has died. If we wish to do good to souls, our success with these souls will be in proportion to their belief in our confidence in them and appreciation of them. Respect shown to the struggling human soul is the sure means through Christ Jesus of the restoration of the self-respect the man has lost. Our advancing ideas of what he may become is a help we can not ourselves fully appreciate. We have need of the rich grace of God every hour, then we will have a rich, practical experience, for God is love." {Lt50-1893}

Treat Them Better Than They Deserve

Romans 5:6-8 (KJV) 6 "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

"Those who try our patience need most love. We pass through the world only once; any good thing we can do, we should do most earnestly, untiringly, with the same spirit as is stated of Christ in his work. He will not fail nor be discouraged. The rough, stubborn, sullen dispositions are the ones who need help the most. How can they be helped? Only by that love practiced in dealing with them which Christ revealed to fallen men. Treat them, you say, as they deserve? What if Christ had treated us thus? He, the undeserving, was treated as we deserve. Still we are treated by Christ with grace and love as we did not deserve, but as he deserved. Treat some characters as you think they richly deserve, and you will cut off from them the last thread of hope, spoil your influence, and ruin the soul. Will it pay? No, I say no, a hundred times no. Bind these souls who need all the help it is possible for you to give them close to a loving, sympathizing, pitying heart, overflowing with Christ-like love, and you will save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins. Had we not better try the love process?" { SpM 144.2 }

 

 

 

Go Out Two By Two

Mark 6:7 (NKJV) 7 "And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits."

"Christ sent forth his disciples to preach the gospel not singly, but by twos, that they might labor unitedly in spreading the truth. Jesus saw that this plan would result in much more good than if one was sent alone. There is need of two working together; for one can encourage the other, and they can counsel, pray, and search the Bible together. In this they may get a broader light upon the truth; for one will see one phase, and the other another phase of the truth. If they are erring, they can correct one another in speech and attitude, so that the truth may not be lightly esteemed because of the defects of its advocates. If the workers are sent out alone, there is no one to see or correct their errors; but when two go together, an educating work may be carried on, and each worker become what he should be,—a successful soul-winner." {RH July 4, 1893, par. 6}

Let Them Know That You Love Them

"Do not be afraid to let them know that you love them. If the love is in the heart, give it expression, do not smother it. When they gather about the table to partake of God’s precious bounties, make this a season of cheerfulness. Do not make it a season of grave decorum as though they were standing about a coffin, but have it a social season where every countenance is full of joy and happiness, where naught but cheerful words are spoken. And the youth should not feel that they are under an eye that is watching them, ready to reprove and condemn. Approve whenever you can; smile whenever you can; do not arrange your countenance as though a smile would bring the condemnation of heaven. Heaven is all smiles and gladness and gratitude. I wish we all knew more about heaven and would bring its pure, healthful, holy, influence into our lives, for then we would bring sweet joy into many a life that needs it." {Lt19-1886.20}

Be A Light House

"Suppose that because some ship had disregarded his warning beacon, and gone to pieces on the rocks, the lighthouse keeper should put out his lights, and say, “I will pay no more attention to the lighthouse”; what would be the consequence? But that is not the way he does. He keeps his lights burning all night, throwing their beams far out into the darkness, for the benefit of every mariner that comes within the dangerous reach of rocks and shoals. Were some ship to be wrecked because the lights went out, it would be telegraphed over the world that on such a night, at such a point, a ship went to pieces on the rocks because there was no light in the tower. But if some ships are wrecked because they pay no attention to the light, the lighthouse keeper is guiltless; they were warned, but they paid no heed. { RC 167.3} 
What if the light in the household should go out? Then everyone in that house would be in darkness; and the result would be as disastrous as though the light were to go out in the lighthouse tower. Souls are looking at you, fellow Christians, to see whether you are drunken with the cares of this life, or are preparing for the future, immortal life. They will watch to see what the influence of your life is, and whether you are true missionaries...." { RC 167.4}

Divine Power Will Be Given

John 15:8 "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."

"The most successful way to reach men is through divine power. We may pray—we are invited to pray, commanded to pray—and He who has told us to pray will hear our petitions and will work for us with divine power. He will make our path all luminous by His divine light. The daily suppliant, if he have faith, will be like a tree planted by the river of water; his leaf will be always green, and he will bear an abundance of fruit." {Lt37-1878.8}

God Will Give Success

Regarding Jonah, "As the nature of this commission, with all its difficulties and seeming impossibilities, loomed up before Jonah, he began to question the wisdom of the call. As he questioned, he forgot that the God whom he served was all-wise and all-powerful, and he began to doubt whether he should undertake to carry out such a commission. While he hesitated, still doubting, Satan overwhelmed him with discouragement. Seized with a great dread, he “rose up to flee unto Tarshish.” Going down to Joppa, and finding there a ship ready to sail, “he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish.” Jonah 1:3. RH December 4, 1913, par. 5
The responsibility placed upon Jonah, in the charge given him to warn the inhabitants of Nineveh, was indeed great; yet he who had bidden him go was well able to sustain his servant and give him success. Had he obeyed unquestioningly, he would have been spared many bitter experiences, and would have been abundantly blessed. However, the Lord did not desert him in this hour of fearful despair, but led him through a series of trials that revived his confidence in God's power to save, and renewed his determination to obey at any personal sacrifice." RH December 4, 1913, par. 6

God's Way To Deal With Error

"The best way to deal with error is to present the truth and leave wild ideas to die out for want of notice. Contrasted with truth the weakness of error is made apparent to every intelligent mind. The more [the] erroneous assertions of opposers, and of those who rise up among us to deceive souls, are repeated, the better the cause of error is served. The more publicity is given to the suggestions of Satan, the better it pleases his satanic majesty, for unsanctified hearts will be prepared to receive the chaff that he provides for them. We shall have to meet difficulties of this order even in the church. Men will make a world of an atom and an atom of a world." 7LtMs, Lt 19b, 1892, par. 45

Lack Of Fruit?

"The Lord says, “Enlarge your borders.” [Exodus 34:24.] The power of the gospel is expansive. Men are to be devoted soul-savers and may have something to show for their labors. If the workers fail to produce fruit, something may be wrong with the tree. The cost of working the vineyard must be made as little as possible, because there is a large territory to be worked. As men are employed in different places they should always be looked after to see what is the result of their labor. If the tree bears no fruit it may be because it needs to be transplanted. If after proper labor it still has no fruit to bear, let it be removed; let the laborer be dismissed as an unprofitable servant in the work of soul-saving, and encouraged to go into some business, by which he can earn means to act his part in sustaining laborers that can work successfully—persons with tact and wisdom, who in the fear of God will win souls to Christ." 16LtMs, Lt 218, 1901, par. 7

 

Unless otherwise stated, quotations come from the writings of Ellen G. White.