Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 

— 1 Peter 3:8, NLT 

The Testimony 

Fellowship with one another should make us glad. Why, with such a hope as we have, are our hearts not aglow with the love of God? 

When we are tempted to murmur or complain at something some one has done, praise something in that person. Say, “Satan, I have defeated your temptations this time.” Cultivate the habit of thankfulness. Praise God over and over again for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us. It never pays to think of old grievances. God calls upon us to cultivate His mercy and His matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise. 

When you meet with the Lord, say, I am in the Lord’s house, and I desire all wicked thoughts, all mistrust and murmuring against my brethren to be banished. We have met here with God, who “So loved the world that He gave His only begotten son…” This is our privilege, and we desire to come into the house of God with thanksgiving. We ask the Lord to remove from our hearts every thing that is evil, that we may bring to the house of God that which He can bless. 

Sing to the Lord with the Spirit and the understanding. Let no thought of criticism enter your mind, to torment you; for Satan is near. He will do this work without your help. Refuse to co-operate with the accuser of the brethren. Gather up every ray of light, then seek out those who need help, and give this light to them. God says, “Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled.” 

The religion of Christ means much more than the forgiveness of sin. It means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. It means a heart emptied of self, and blessed with the abiding presence of Christ. We need the vital qualities of christianity, and when we possess them, the church will be a living, active, working church. There will be a growth in grace, because the bright rays of the Sun of righteousness pervade the chambers of the mind.

— Bible Training School, October 1, 1908 

The Response 

Father God, help me have true fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Forgive my distrust, remove from my heart everything that is evil. I empty my heart of self and ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Instead of complaining about a person, help me to learn to find something to praise about that person. Teach me to gather up all Your rays of light, then seek out those who need help that I may give light to them. I look to You and rejoice in Your abiding presence!