UNSELFISH SYMPATHY by G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 5, 1902

UNSELFISH SYMPATHY.

By G.

The apostle Paul said, “I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” He did not mean by this that he was hypocritical or compromising in his dealings with men of various characteristics. Men often act upon this principle when they have selfish ends to attain, selfish purposes in view, as, for instance, a desire for political preferment or prestige in business. But Paul sought no such advantages. When speaking of being all things to all men, his object was to save them, not to make any merely personal gain. He adds, “This I do for the Gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.” Of course he wanted to be saved, but his first concern was the salvation of others. This is shown in his “continual sorrow of heart” for his people Israel, saying, “I could wish that myself were accursed [margin, ‘separated’] from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”

Paul’s idea of being “all things to all men” would bring one in deep sympathy with all, in whatever circumstances or of whatever race or class; for God Himself is no respecter of persons, and Christ died for all. It was for His enemies that Christ died, and the apostle’s bitterest foes were those very “kinsmen” for whom he was ready to make such a sacrifice. This universal sympathy for all men is expressed in the counsel to “rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” And again in the exhortation to “look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” The heart imbued with such a spirit can give smiles to one, and mingle tears with the tears of another, with equal sincerity. G.