PREACHING THE TRUTH IN LOVE.
By Jesse S. Gilbert
WE live in "times that try men's souls." The church is largely permeated by the spirit of the world. In many places it is hard to see any practical difference between those who profess Christ and those who profess him not. In very many churches the standard of Christian living is very low. It is by no means uncommon to see churches that are largely controlled and run by unconverted, worldly persons. Some pulpits are wholly given up to sensationalism, and in many others the truth is so diluted as to have little practical effect. What is the duty of the faithful minister of Jesus in these critical times?—Plainly to preach "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." The problem is, how to preach the truth so as to secure a hearing, and make it most efficient. If a minister does not have the regard and sympathy of his people he can do them no good. Popularity is not a necessary evidence of unfaithfulness, for we read of Jesus that "the common people heard him gladly." We must preach the truth, but we can and must preach it in love. Men sometimes become sour and harsh. They fail in charity and patience. If the Christian life around us is of a low and feeble type, we must remember that perhaps the better and higher life has never been presented. Many live down in the lowlands, because they have never been directed to the mountain-top. If, when we preach the truth in tenderness and love, men take offense at the truth itself, then we are not responsible. This will sometimes be the case. Do our very best, preach God's truth in the most loving manner, and nevertheless men will often oppose the message, and hate the messenger. The offense of the cross has not ceased. The carnal heart is still enmity against God. Whether men will hear or forbear, we must be faithful witnesses for our Lord. "Preach the word" is our only commission. Let those who will preach sensationalism, science, humanitarianism, etc., the true minister of God has but one vocation. He knows nothing among men "save Jesus Christ and him crucified." He can exclaim with Charles Wesley— " 'Tis all my business here below
To cry, Behold the Lamb."
—Rev. Jesse S. Gilbert, A. M. (Methodist).