The Tender Ministry of Love by Edith M. Graham

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 28, 1916

The Tender Ministry of Love

By Edith M. Graham

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? 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; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Isa. 58: 6, 7.

“Practical work will have far more effect than mere sermonizing. We are to give food to the hungry, clothing to the naked, and shelter to the homeless. And we are called to do more than this. The wants of the soul, only the love of Christ can satisfy. If Christ is abiding in us, our hearts will be full of divine sympathy. The sealed fountains of earnest, Christlike love will be unsealed.

“God calls not only for our gifts for the needy, but for our cheerful countenance, our hopeful words, our kindly handclasp. When Christ healed the sick, he laid his hands upon them. So should we come in close touch with those whom we seek to benefit.

“There are many from whom hope has departed. Bring back the sunshine to them. Many have lost their courage. Speak to them words of cheer. Pray for them. There are those who need the bread of life. Read to them from the Word of God. Upon many is a soul-sickness which no earthly balm can reach nor physician heal. Pray for these souls; bring them to Jesus. Tell them that there is a balm in Gilead and a Physician there.”—“Christ’s Object Lessons,” pp. 417, 418.

Here we have set before us some ways in which we may win souls for Christ. All around us are starved souls, who are hungering for the love of Christ, but do not know it. Christlike love and sympathy manifested to them by Christ’s followers will lead these people to him.

Each church should take a burden for the people living around it, and should plan for systematic house-to-house work. The lending of tracts is a good way to begin. As the members visit the homes, they should endeavor to establish a friendly acquaintance, and learn something of the circumstances of the people. If sickness is mentioned, inquiry could be made as to whether the invalid would enjoy a short visit. Flowers might be left later, or some little delicacy to tempt the appetite. A card with an appropriate promise of God could accompany the gift. Little attentions like these are usually received with gratitude.

In some cases it might be possible to give simple treatments that will relieve pain. Every Seventh-day Adventist should know how to give fomentations, foot baths, packs, and other simple treatments that require no appliances beyond those found in most homes. These will often give wonderful relief. They should never be given, however, when a doctor is in charge of the case, except with his consent.

Some chronic invalids, blind people, and others afflicted in many ways, may be found. All these greatly appreciate any evidences of loving interest they may receive, though they may not at first be very cordial; in some cases suffering has embittered them.

Chronic invalids enjoy visits. Conversation with them should be bright and cheerful, so as to direct their thoughts in hopeful channels. If possible they should be enlisted in some sort of service for others; nothing so cheers any one as to help some one else. They are usually glad to be supplied with good reading matter, and may enjoy being read to.

The blind also like to be read to, and arrangements should be made to have some one do this regularly. Study ways to brighten their lives, and thus lead them to give themselves fully to Christ.

Poor people will be found who need assistance. The best aid that can be given is to help them to help themselves. But some will need food and clothing before they can do anything for themselves. Some of the people in the community who are well off may be willing to give food and clothing when they know the case is a worthy one. Church members can become the medium for such help.

These are a few ways in which brightness may be brought into sad lives, and by which hearts may be prepared to receive the gospel message. Those whose hearts are full of Christ-love will find many other such openings.

EDITH M. GRAHAM.