Helpful Sympathy

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 3, 1911

SOME men are able to contribute to the life of the world large sums of money, others give great genius, and still others are able to make the world richer by their skill. But all can give helpful sympathy. This contribution is not very attractive, because it is not conspicuous. When a rich man endows a hospital or a university, the whole world knows it. The gift is spectacular, and is published in all the newspapers of the civilized world. But when a humble saint gives a heart full of sympathy to those who are in trouble, the reporters never hear of it, the papers never publish it, the world knows nothing about it. But who shall say that it is not worth more in the eyes of our Lord than the gifts of genius and wealth?

It was thus that Jesus gave. Some men see little in the contribution of Jesus to the life of the world beyond his miracles of healing. They never tire of talking about healing, as if that were the chief thing in Christianity. One who reads the New Testament carefully must see that Jesus disparaged miraculous wonders in comparison with the silent ministries of his love. “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign.” “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation.” Not the outward and showy ministry, but the inner and silent energy of the Spirit, is the chief thing about the kingdom. When the fruits of the labors of the followers of Christ are finally summoned up, it will doubtless appear that he who gives genuine sympathy is the largest giver.

Some one may suppose that it is quite easy to give sympathy. Not so. One who blesses his neighbors with his sympathy gives his thought, his brain, his heart.—Selected.