He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 1 John 2:10.
Satan is seeking by his temptations to obtain advantage over souls. Let nothing that you may do or say prove a temptation or discouragement to any soul. Remember he is the purchase of the blood of Christ. Every soul is precious. Only as you look to the cross of Calvary can you place a right estimate upon the soul. How sad a thing it would be to have anything you may do or say balance a soul in the wrong direction. You are bound by cords of obligation to God and to your fellow man; you cannot break these cords and free yourself from these obligations.37Letter 13a, 1879.
Do not be troubled by what other people think or say, ... but cling to the Lord; He will never fail you.... We must ever bear in mind that Satan is working hard to secure every soul. We must work on the Lord’s side, not giving the least occasion which anyone can take advantage of.... If words are spoken and charges made to provoke you, the very best reproof you can give is to remain silent, as though you heard not.... We are all to remember that we are under the yoke of Christ, and we must not disgrace our Saviour or the yoke He has invited us to wear. We will just as surely rule our spirit as we wear the yoke.38Letter 117, 1899.
What others may do, what others may say, what others may think of you, will not change God’s thoughts toward you. He that doeth righteousness is righteous, and the opinion of man will not change his character.... Jesus loves you; and He takes no man’s measurement of your character. You are to behold Jesus and reflect His image. Keep His love in your thoughts. Invite the heavenly Guest to abide with you....
Let your spirit be cleansed from all earthliness, all unholy, uncharitable thoughts. Let your words be clean, sanctified, vivifying and refreshing all with whom you associate. Be not easily provoked. Let the praise of God be in your hearts and upon your lips, that no evil thing may truthfully be said of you.39Letter 102, 1899.
From Our High Calling - Page 174
Our High Calling
Thought for the Day
In the estimation of Heaven, what is it that constitutes greatness? Not that which the world accounts greatness; not wealth, or rank, or noble descent, or intellectual gifts, in themselves considered. If intellectual greatness, apart from any higher consideration, is worthy of honor, then our homage is due to Satan, whose intellectual power no man has ever equaled. But when perverted to self-serving, the greater the gift, the greater curse it becomes. It is moral worth that God values. Love and purity are the attributes He prizes most.... Unselfish joy in the ministry of Christ presents the highest type of nobility ever revealed in man. Desire of Ages, p. 219