Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 

— Galatians 6:1,2, NIV 

THE TESTIMONY

The characteristics most needful to be cherished by God’s commandment-keeping people are patience and long-suffering, peace and love. 

Bear in mind that the work of restoring is to be our burden... Do your restoring “in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” 

He who ignores the grave necessities of his brother will in the providence of God be brought over the same ground that his brother has traveled in trial and sorrow, and by a bitter experience it will be proved to him that he is as helpless and needy as was the suffering one whom he repulsed.  

The closer we keep to Christ, and the more meek and lowly and self-distrustful we are, the firmer will be our hold on Christ, and the greater will be our power, through Christ, to convert sinners; for it is not the human agent that moves the soul. 

Heavenly intelligences co-operate with the human agent and impress the truth upon the heart. Abiding in Christ we are able to exert an influence over others; but it is because of the presence of Him who says: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”  

The truth should be presented with divine tact, gentleness, and tenderness. It should come from a heart that has been softened and made sympathetic.  

Let our words be gentle as we seek to win souls. God will be wisdom to him who seeks for wisdom from a divine source.  

Keep our hearts uplifted to God, so that when the opportunity presents itself, we may have the right word to speak at the right time. If you thus undertake work for God, the Spirit of God will be your helper. The Holy Spirit will apply the word spoken in love for the soul. The truth will have quickening power when spoken under the influence of the grace of Christ. 

God’s plan is first to get at the heart. Speak the truth, and let Him carry forward the reformatory power and principle.  

Our convictions need daily to be reinforced by humble, sincere prayer and reading of the word. 

— Testimonies for the Church, Volume 6, p.398-401 

THE RESPONSE

Keep close to Christ. The firmer your hold on Christ, the greater will be your power through Christ to convert sinners. 

Seek for wisdom from the divine source. 

Keep your heart uplifted to God so when the opportunity presents itself you may have the right word to speak at the right time. 

Daily reinforce your convictions by humble, sincere prayer and reading the word of God.