Love People
as Christ Loved Them
This
is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. John
15:12
Christ carried out in His life His own
divine teachings. His zeal never led Him to become passionate. He manifested
consistency without obstinacy, benevolence without weakness, tenderness and
sympathy without sentimentalism. He was highly social, yet He possessed a
reserved dignity that did not encourage undue familiarity. His temperance never
led to bigotry or austerity. He was not conformed to this world, yet He was not
indifferent to the wants of the least among men. He was awake to the needs of
all.
From earliest years to manhood Christ
lived a life that was a perfect pattern of humility and industry and obedience.
He was always thoughtful and considerate of others, always self-denying. He
came bearing the signature of heaven, not to be ministered unto, but to
minister. . . .
The unselfish life of Christ is an
example to all. His character is a pattern of the characters we may form if we
follow on in His footsteps.
Tact and good judgment increase the
usefulness of the laborer a hundredfold. If he will speak the right words at
the right time and show the right spirit, this will exert a melting power on
the heart of the one he is trying to help.
Those who differ with us in faith and
doctrine should be treated kindly. They are the property of Christ, and we must
meet them in the great day of final account. We shall have to face one another
in the judgment, and behold the record of our thoughts, words, and deeds, not
as we have viewed them, but as they were in truth. God has enjoined upon us the
duty of loving one another as Christ has loved us.
From My Life Today - Page 192