How We May Reveal Christ

The Review and Herald, February 25, 1904 par. 10-16

“When you are associated with one another, be guarded in your words. Let your conversation be of such a nature that you will have no need to repent of it. “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” If the love of the truth is in your hearts, you will talk of the truth,–of the blessed hope that you have in Jesus. If your hearts are filled with brotherly love, you will seek to establish and build up your brother in the most holy faith.”

“If a word is dropped that is detrimental to the character of a friend or brother, never encourage this evil-speaking; for it is the work of the enemy. Remind the speaker that God’s Word forbids this kind of conversation. We are to empty the heart of everything that defiles the soul-temple, that Christ may dwell within. The Redeemer has told us how we may reveal him to the world. If we cherish his Spirit, if we manifest his love toward others, if we guard one another’s interests, if we are kind, patient, forbearing, the fruits we bear will give evidence to the world that we are God’s children. It is unity in the church that enables Christians to exert a strong influence upon unbelievers.”

“To build up one another in the most holy faith is a blessed work; to tear down is a work full of bitterness and sorrow Christ identifies himself with his suffering children; for he says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” If all would carry out the instruction given by Christ, love and unity would prevail in the church.”

“Every heart has its own sorrows and disappointments, and we should seek to lighten one another’s burdens by manifesting the love of Jesus to those around us. If our conversation were upon heaven and heavenly things, evil-speaking would soon cease to have any attraction for us. We would not then be placing our feet upon dangerous ground; nor would we enter into temptation, falling under the power of the evil one.”

“Instead of finding fault with others, let us be critical with ourselves. Every one should inquire, Is my heart right before God? Am I glorifying my Heavenly Father? If you have cherished a wrong spirit, banish it from the soul. Eradicate from your heart everything that is of a defiling nature. Pluck up every root of bitterness, lest others be contaminated by the baleful influence. Do not allow one poisonous plant to remain in the soil of your heart. Root it out this very hour and cultivate in its stead the plant of love. Let Jesus be enshrined in the soul-temple.”

“My brethren and sisters, prayerfully consider the exhortation given to those who have left their first love. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” God is now calling for heartfelt repentance, and for a return to the love that we once manifested toward one another. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.”

“If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.” The Review and Herald, February 25, 1904 par. 10-16.

This passage provides valuable lessons and insights on how to reveal Christ through our actions and interactions with others:

Guarded Words and Conversation: It advises being careful with our words and ensuring that our conversations are uplifting and in alignment with our faith. This reflects the idea that our speech can reflect our inner beliefs.
Love and Unity: The importance of love and unity within the Christian community is emphasized. Showing brotherly love and building up one another in faith are seen as key aspects of manifesting Christ to the world.
Avoiding Detrimental Talk: It discourages engaging in conversations that harm the character of others, stressing that such talk is against God’s Word. This underscores the need to avoid gossip and negative speech.
Lightening Burdens: The passage suggests that we should be sensitive to the sorrows and disappointments of others and seek to support and encourage them. By manifesting the love of Jesus, we can lighten each other’s burdens.
Self-Reflection and Repentance: It encourages self-examination and repentance, urging individuals to eradicate any wrong spirit or bitterness within themselves. This highlights the importance of personal spiritual growth and purity of heart.
Returning to First Love: There’s an exhortation to return to the love that was initially present among believers. The qualities of genuine love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, are cited as attributes that should guide Christian interactions.
God’s Indwelling Love: The passage ends by emphasizing that when we love one another, God dwells in us, and His love is perfected in us. This points to the transformative power of love and unity in Christian communities.