p. 3 | Inasmuch by D. H. KRESS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 13, 1915

“Inasmuch”

By D. H. KRESS

D. H. KRESS

PAYING tithe, giving to foreign missions, assisting in building up institutions for the education of our children, and sanitariums for the healing of the sick, all have their place in our service for Christ; but none of these can take the place of personal ministry. That which will finally confront every professor of Christianity will be, Have you fed the hungry? Have you clothed the naked? Have you visited the sick and ministered unto them? And it will be said: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

This is a work that is strangely neglected by the church at present, and yet there was never a time when the need for such work was greater. Some one will say, You hardly know whom to trust, there are so many who are unworthy of aid. This may be true, but because iniquity abounds, shall we allow our love to grow cold? Only those whose love endures to the end shall be saved.

Such ministry would bring a great blessing to individuals and to the church. Not merely is there spiritual help in it, but there is health. “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked that thou cover him. . . . Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily.” Isa. 58:7, 8.

I am doubtful whether we can expect our health to spring forth unless this work is taken up by us. Praying only will not bring healing. Is not this the great obstacle in the way of God's answering our prayers for the sick? When we are saved from sickness, we are saved to serve.

“If set to work, the despondent will soon forget their despondency; the weak will become strong, the ignorant intelligent, and all will be prepared to present the truth as it is in Jesus.”—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. IX, page 82. If all these blessings await those who serve, is it not worth a trial? Again we read: “The heart of him who lives, not to please himself, but to be a blessing to those who have so few blessings, will thrill with satisfaction.”—Id., page 37. “Those who give their lives to Christlike ministry know the meaning of true happiness. Their interest and their prayers reach far beyond self. They themselves are growing as they try to help others.”—Id., page 42.

Despondency and unhappiness lie at the foundation of a great deal of sickness. A large proportion of our diseases may be traced to mental causes. But when despondency disappears and the heart thrills with happiness and satisfaction, the obstacles which retard health restoration are removed, and God can do miraculous things for us, which would otherwise be impossible.

We have poor persons in our own churches who could be greatly helped and encouraged by a little Christlike sympathy and brotherly love. We have sick among us who ought to have aid. God blesses some with means that they may be a blessing to those who are less fortunate. When the manna fell, they that gathered much had nothing over, and they that gathered little had no lack. All were provided for. So it was after Pentecost; for “distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 4:35. The gospel must again be preached to the poor.