The Christian's Attitude Toward the Erring by Mrs. Iva F. Cady

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 17, 1913

The Christian's Attitude Toward the Erring

By Mrs. Iva F. Cady

MRS. IVA F. CADY

We, as servants of our Lord, are to continue the work that he began when here upon earth. "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. 5: 19, 20.

God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, and now he has committed unto us the word of reconciliation. So, then, we are ambassadors for Christ, his representatives here on earth; and as such, we must manifest his spirit in dealing with those around us. Instead of seeking to control the conscience of another and trying to compel him to do as we think he should, let us have due regard for his opinion, and give him the right that we claim for ourselves,—liberty of conscience. Christ has divine power, and knows all things. We must acknowledge that he is much better fitted than any of us to direct men, and yet he does not compel them to do what he knows they should do; while we poor mortals sometimes take it upon ourselves to try to force others to do as we think they ought to do. Who can think of Christ as manifesting any other spirit than that of love and kindness as he dealt with the erring? and should we not manifest that same spirit if we are Christ's?

We believe that Paul sought to follow the example of Christ. He said, "As though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." He did not attempt to drive the people into the path of obedience, but he besought them and entreated them to be reconciled to God. So we may labor in love and patience to instruct those around us, and to draw them to Christ, praying that the Lord will incline their hearts to serve him. It is not for any of us to be "lords over God's heritage." The history of the church during the dark ages furnishes many examples of the evil of man's seeking to domineer over the consciences of his fellow men.

But if a person be overtaken in a fault, what is our duty toward him? He may have been casting reproach upon our own character; but should we for that reason avoid meeting him, and not put forth any effort to restore him? The Scriptures say, "Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Gal. 6: 1. If we think that we ourselves are spiritual, then we are not to shun this one who is doing wrong, but we are to go to him, being sure that we go in the spirit of meekness, and try to help him. If we have in our hearts the pharisaical spirit, and feel that we are a great deal better than he is, then we must first consider ourselves—our weaknesses and shortcomings—and remember that we have nothing good in ourselves except as it is given us of God. We need to consider these things, lest we be tempted to judge too harshly the one whom we desire to save, and so drive him farther away from the Lord. If we take the position, "I am holier than thou," we cannot help the person; so for this reason we are advised to consider ourselves, that we may be mindful of our own weakness, and so be able to go to him in the spirit of meekness.

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." Col. 3: 12-14.

It is most important that we exercise charity, for without this all our good works and self-sacrificing would profit us nothing. When we have put on these Christian graces, then, and not until then, may we hope to be successful in winning souls to Christ; for if we have only bitter envying and strife in our hearts, we shall be tempted to speak harsh, unkind words that will only repel. "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." 2 Tim. 2: 24-26.