EGW WritingsMatthew 7
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 5
Read Matthew 7 in the BibleMatthew 7:1-2
The Upward Look
Judge Not, July 21
UL 216.1
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matthew 7:2.UL 216.5
After many had spoken, One of authority appeared, and repeated the words: “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1).... Christ Himself was present. An expression of painfulness came over His countenance as one after another would come forward, with uncouth dress, to expatiate upon the faults of various members of the church.Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Consideration for Burden-Bearers
GW 474.2
The Saviour bids us, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:1, 2.] Remember that soon your life record will pass in review before God. Remember, too, that He has said, “Thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: ...for thou that judgest doest the same things.” [Romans 2:1.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 39, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 39, 1891, par. 21
If one of the children of the Lord errs, then if the men in authority are discerning spiritual things, they will understand their position allows no betrayal on their part of sacred trusts, and they will not betray the cause of God into the enemy’s hands. They will not be reticent to the very ones in whom they should have confidence, [and] work in silence and secrecy, but open their plans to those who have no sympathy with the chosen people of God. If any workers in our institution for health are murmured against and accused by unbelievers or believers, let it be placed in mottoes all through the establishment—the special directions given by our Master, Jesus Christ—“Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:1, 2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 30, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 30, 1906, par. 1
I wish to write you a few lines. I understand how the enemy is working, and I wish to say to every soul, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye meet, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:1, 2.] There are times when we have to take a decided stand, but in magnifying the Lord, be sure that you do not condemn and make charges against others. It would cause all the powers of hell to rejoice if our people were to become divided. The way has been preparing for contention and division. Some are in great danger of drifting into infidelity. Now, let your study be to save these imperiled souls. I have sorrow, great sorrow of heart, that they do not understand their bearings. But whatever you may say to vindicate the truth in righteousness, be sure not to make a raid on the one who for many years has borne heavy burdens in connection with our medical missionary work. He has always personally treated me as respectfully as he would treat his mother. It is nothing he has done to me personally that has led me to speak as I have been compelled to. While it makes my heart ache, I must speak. God has given me a message to give to His people, that the sentiments contained in the book Living Temple are mingled with fallacies that beguile the reader. It is the specious errors in that book that make it a dangerous production.Help In Daily Living
Consideration for Burden Bearers
HDL 24.3
The conduct of David toward Saul has a lesson. By command of God, Saul had been anointed as king over Israel. Because of his disobedience the Lord declared that the kingdom should be taken from him; and yet how tender and courteous and forbearing was the conduct of David toward him! In seeking the life of David, Saul came into the wilderness and, unattended, entered the very cave where David with his men of war lay hidden. “And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, ... I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee.... And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.” The Saviour bids us, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Remember that soon your life record will pass in review before God. Remember, too, that He has said, “Thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: ... for thou that judgest doest the same things.” 1 Samuel 24:4-6; Matthew 7:1, 2; Romans 2:1.Lift Him Up
Do Not Judge, November 16
LHU 334.1
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Matthew 7:1, 2, NKJV.Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]
MR No. 1057—The Need to Stand Firmly, but Kindly, for Truth
13MR 318.1
I wish to write you a few lines. I understand how the enemy is working, and I wish to say to every soul, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” [Matthew 7:1, 2]. There are times when we have to take a decided stand, but in magnifying the Lord be sure that you do not condemn and make charges against others. It would cause all the powers of hell to rejoice if our people were to become divided.Our High Calling
Criticism Not Our Work, August 15
OHC 233.1
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matthew 7:1, 2.The Ministry of Healing
Consideration for Burden Bearers
MH 484.2
The conduct of David toward Saul has a lesson. By command of God, Saul had been anointed as king over Israel. Because of his disobedience the Lord declared that the kingdom should be taken from him; and yet how tender and courteous and forbearing was the conduct of David toward him! In seeking the life of David, Saul came into the wilderness and, unattended, entered the very cave where David with his men of war lay hidden. “And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, ... I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee.... And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.” The Saviour bids us, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Remember that soon your life record will pass in review before God. Remember, too, that He has said, “Thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: ... for thou that judgest doest the same things.” 1 Samuel 24:4-6; Matthew 7:1, 2; Romans 2:1.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 105—Light in God’s Word
1888 836.3
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.” Matthew 7:1, 2. The conversation and judging of those brethren who differed in some points on the law in Galatians was not after God’s order, but after the order of human nature. The conversation in the homes at Minneapolis was founded principally upon impressions received from letters written from California, and from reports. Those impressions were formed in ignorance. If the judgment had been suspended and the much unsanctified talk left unsaid, had there been words spoken to God and not to men, there would have been some chance for the voice of the Good Shepherd to be heard; but the topic that came to the front was the law in Galatians. And then commenced the judging. One stimulated another. But few found solitude to search their Bibles anew and look to God in earnest prayer, with humble hearts, to learn of the divine Teacher—but the opinion of men was looked to as the voice of God. The enemy took possession of minds and their judgment was worthless, their decisions were evil, for they did not have the mind of Christ. They were doing continual injustice to the persons they talked about, and they had a demoralizing effect upon the conference.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 11, 1880
3LtMs, Lt 11, 1880, par. 5
We are not to pass on indifferently. We must inquire into the character of our thoughts and feelings, our tempers, purposes, words and deeds. We are not safe unless we are constantly and successfully warring against our own sinful corruptions. We must consider whether we are an example of Christian holiness; whether we are in the faith. Unless we search diligently, examining our hearts in the light of God’s Word, self-love will prompt to a much better opinion of ourselves than we should have. We must not be so earnest in our efforts to set others right that we shall neglect our own souls. We need not be so zealous for our brethren, and in this zeal neglect the work that needs to be done for ourselves. Another’s wrong will not make our cases any nearer right. There is an individual work to be done for ourselves, which we should in no wise neglect. “Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:1, 2.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 37, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 37, 1890, par. 33
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.” Matthew 7:1, 2. The conversation and judging of those brethren who differed in some points on the law in Galatians was not after God’s order but after the order of human nature. The conversation in the homes at Minneapolis was founded principally upon impressions received from letters written from California, and from reports. Those impressions were formed in ignorance. If the judgment had been suspended and the much unsanctified talk left unsaid, had there been words spoken to God and not to men, there would have been some chance for the voice of the Good Shepherd to be heard; but the topic that came to the front was the law in Galatians. And then commenced the judging. One stimulated another. But few found solitude to search their Bibles anew and look to God in earnest prayer, with humble hearts, to learn of the divine Teacher—but the opinion of men was looked to as the voice of God. The enemy took possesion of minds and their judgment was worthless, their decisions were evil, for they did not have the mind of Christ. They were doing continual injustice to the persons they talked about, and they had a demoralizing effect upon the conference.Matthew 7:1-3
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Ms 3, 1871
2LtMs, Ms 3, 1871, par. 16
In the sermon of Christ upon the mount, He said, “Judge not that ye be not judged for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again.” Our Saviour reproved for rash judgment. “Why beholdest thou the mote in thy brother’s eye; and, behold a beam is in thine own eye.” [Matthew 7:1-3.] It is frequently the case that while one is quick to discern the errors of his brethren he may be in greater faults himself and is blind to his own errors.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 23, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 23, 1894, par. 6
Because some thought their judgment perfect, they have turned aside the means which God impressed some soul to give to a certain work to His name’s glory. How dare any one take such a liberty? How dare any one presume to judge in these matters? How dare any one to climb on the judgment seat and do that which Christ has told them not to do? “Judge not, that ye be not judged; for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?” [Matthew 7:1-3.]Matthew 7:1-4
Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Compassion for the Erring
GW92 93.2
Frequently the truth and facts are to be plainly spoken to the erring, to make them see and feel their error, that they may reform. But this should ever be done with pitying tenderness, not with harshness or severity, but considering one’s own weakness, lest he also be tempted. When the one at fault sees and acknowledges his error, then, instead of grieving him, and seeking to make him feel more deeply, comfort should be given. In the sermon of Christ upon the mount, he said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:1-4.] Our Saviour reproved for rash judgment. “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye,” “and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?” [Matthew 7:1-4.] It is frequently the case that while one is quick to discern the errors of his brethren, he may be in greater faults himself, but be blind to them.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
Consideration for the Erring
1TT 302.2
Frequently the truth and facts are to be plainly spoken to the erring, to make them see and feel their error that they may reform. But this should ever be done with pitying tenderness, not with harshness or severity, but considering one’s own weakness, lest he also be tempted. When the one at fault sees and acknowledges his error, then, instead of grieving him, and seeking to make him feel more deeply, comfort should be given. In the sermon of Christ upon the mount He said: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:1, 2. Our Saviour reproved for rash judgment. “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye; ... and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?” Verses 3, 4. It is frequently the case that while one is quick to discern the errors of his brethren, he may be in greater faults himself, but be blind to them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 55, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 55, 1891, par. 9
The love of Jesus in the heart never leads one to flatter or praise or glorify another, and never leads to harshness, to impatience. The words of Christ are applicable to every one of us. “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine eye?” etc. [Matthew 7:1-4.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 75, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 75, 1907, par. 9
The work of judgment has not been given to any minister or conference president. “Judge not,” the Saviour says, “that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, and considereth not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?” [Matthew 7:1-4.]Matthew 7:1-5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 9, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 60
Look, O look, upon the cross of Calvary. Have you by your sins helped to place Christ upon that cross, and will you try to measure the exact degree of your sins in comparison with those of others? Can you climb upon the judgment seat and bring one criticism against another and not meet the condemnation of Him who has said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:1, 2.]7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 61
While watching intently to remove the mote from the eye of your neighbor, you may have a beam in your own eye. Christ your Redeemer has said, “First cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Verse 5.] How little we understand of the evil lurking in our own hearts and the danger of losing our souls because of our own defects of character. Deceiving ourselves, we miss the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 113, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 113, 1907, par. 1
The work of judging his brother has not been placed upon any man. “Judge not,” the Saviour says, “that ye be not judged; for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:1, 2.] He who takes upon himself the work of judging and criticizing others lays himself open to the same degree of judgment and criticism. Those who are ready to condemn their brethren would do well to examine their own works and character. Such an examination, honestly made, will reveal the fact that they too have defects of character and have made grave blunders in their work. If the great Judge should deal with men as they deal with their fellow workers, they would regard Him as unkind and unmerciful.22LtMs, Ms 113, 1907, par. 2
“Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye,” the Saviour asked, “and considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Verses 3-5.]22LtMs, Ms 113, 1907, par. 3
The scribes and Pharisees were very rigid in their rules, very severe in their judgment of others, and unmerciful in condemning. They exalted themselves as judges among the people; and while they justified the course of forbidden action that they themselves indulged in, they were quick to condemn with scornful words the course of others, even of those whom God was using to do His work. Their criticism of Christ and His disciples was severe and denouncing and placed them in a false light before the people. To the view of the Pharisee his individual sins were as the mote, but that which he saw to condemn in others he represented as a beam. Christ declared to such, “Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Verse 5.]22LtMs, Ms 113, 1907, par. 6
I am instructed to bear this message to ministers: Judge not after the desire of your own mind. Do not, in order to carry out your own plans, bring forward that which will condemn another. Such a work is not a work of righteousness and is one which God forbids. If you are under the sweet influence of Christ’s Spirit, it is your privilege to give counsel to your brother; but if you are not under the direction of the Spirit of God, keep silence. It is God’s prerogative to judge, not man’s. Man is debarred from the seat of judgment by the words of Christ, “Judge not, that ye be not judged; for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:1, 2.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]
Follow Christian Methods in Dealing With the Erring
15MR 170.2
It is now time that we heeded the lessons of Christ, learning from him how to proceed in wisdom in dealing with the erring. The Saviour pities the one who does wrong, and in love corrects him, and, if he confesses and forsakes his sin, forgives him. Christ cannot save the purchase of His blood without, through reproof and correction, administering His discipline. This is necessary for the safety of the church, for the preservation of a wholesome atmosphere in the church. But He sees the danger of unwise judgment, and he gives the following injunctions: [Matthew 7:1-5, quoted].Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 34, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 34, 1901, par. 14
Are you condemning your brother, while at the same time you fail to examine yourself? The word of the Lord to you is, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 32, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 32, 1902, par. 19
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye. Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 31, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 31, 1905, par. 13
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 67, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 67, 1905, par. 15
Christ says, “First cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:5.] The one who neglects to follow the directions of Christ, who accuses his brother without first going to him, and talking the matter over with him, in the spirit of the Saviour, has a beam in his eye. He pays no attention to the remedy that Christ has given for the cure of dissension and strife. He does not go to the one he has condemned, telling him kindly what appears to be against his character. An explanation might clear away the difficulty, but he does not give the one he condemns an opportunity to make the explanation.20LtMs, Lt 67, 1905, par. 17
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, and considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then thou shalt see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Verses 1-5.]20LtMs, Lt 67, 1905, par. 19
But let all remember the words, “First cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then thou shalt see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Verse 5.] Let us not be so ready to accuse. God will make His people perfect if they will be molded and fashioned after the divine similitude. If they err, and then repent, He forgives them. His reproofs and corrections are sent to make His people perfect. Then let us accept reproof, and acknowledge our errors, and seek to avoid them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 229, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 229, 1905, par. 21
The word of Christ is: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, and considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye. Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then thou shalt see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 144, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 144, 1906, par. 10
There is great danger of losing sight of the instruction given by our Saviour in the sermon on the mount, when He said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 109, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 109, 1906, par. 23
When many had spoken, One of authority appeared and repeated the words: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye meet, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]
Mr No. 1160—How to Deal With Those Who Have Faults
15MR 202.2
Study the eighteenth chapter of Matthew. Print it in The Watchman. And may our Lord Jesus Christ give His grace to every member of His church, that they may all be established in His word. [Matthew 7:1-5, quoted.]—Letter 31, 1905.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
Chapter 15—A Neglected Warning
8T 85.1
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5.Selections from the Testimonies for the Church For the Study of Those Attending the General Conference in Oakland, Ca., March 27, 1903
Chapter 8—A Neglected Warning
PH151 45.2
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with that judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shall thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
Judge Not
3TT 230.1
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eyes; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 81, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 81, 1896, par. 9
Let those who desire to rule their fellow men read God’s declaration on this subject. He says, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; ... Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine one eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 97, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 97, 1896, par. 30
The One who was presenting these things before me, said to you, Read the seventh chapter of Matthew. Read the entire chapter solemnly. “Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, and considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 164, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 164, 1898, par. 17
The man with the beam in his own eye thinks he has discovered a mote in his brother’s eye. But the very discovery of the mote is the sign of the beam. “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, and considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye, and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye. Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 62, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 62, 1899, par. 12
Christ has given instruction in these lines. “Judge not, that ye be not judged,” He says: “for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull the mote out of thine eye, and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.] Let us heed these words. We may dwell upon the love of God with all safety. The greatness of that love is beyond comprehension. Open the door of the heart, and let it in, for it will expand the soul, and give it something upon which to feed. It will create a new capacity; he who loves God will love his brother also.Matthew 7:1-6
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 107, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 107, 1903, par. 27
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest thy trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” [Matthew 7:1-6.]Matthew 7:1-12
Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
The Importance of Exercising Faith
1SAT 150.1
Matthew 7:1-7. [Verse 7 says, “Ask, and it shall be given you.] Are there any “ifs” in this matter? There is no “if” except “if ye ask.” There is no condition of the mind that excludes from asking, if only you desire those things for which you ask. [There are] no conditions spiritually. So, if we desire the things of God we must comply with the condition of seeking them. [Verses 8-11.] “Good things,” according to Luke, is [the gift of the] Holy Spirit, and that is what we want, to thirst after godliness. [Verse 12.]1SAT 150.3
I have taken one of the very promises so simple that a child can understand it [Verse 11], and we are told what kind of asking this is. If we ask, there is a possibility of our having the things promised; is that the way it is put? Is there any hesitancy in this matter? We would think so from the actions of those who ask, but there is no need of it; there is no excuse for one doubt. We receive the things we ask, not because we are good; if you expect to wait until you are good enough to receive the blessing, you will never receive it. If you are going to wait until you are good enough to receive the promise, you will wait until after Christ comes, and it will be too late. You may come just as you are, because He is your Saviour; He died for you; in Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and because He has the whole heaven of gift, of light, of power, of blessings, that He may bestow on every one who will seek them and open the door for Jesus to come in. Do you want it enough to open the door? If you will open the door to receive these blessings, there will be an emptying out of the love of the world, of the pride of life, and the vacuum must be supplied by the Holy Spirit just as soon as there will be an emptying of the heart of its idols.Matthew 7:1-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 81, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 81, 1902, par. 9
I wish to say that since you have consented to a proposed settlement in regard to the restitution fund, and have agreed that the settlement made at the Nashville Union Conference should stand, never, never bring the subject up again. Let there be no resurrection of the subject. Lay aside all your criticisms of the responsible men in Battle Creek. Cease to make scathing remarks either to them or about them to others. You cannot help them in any way by keeping their minds in a ferment. “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:1, 2.] If these men have failed to do the right thing, remember that they must answer to God for themselves. And remember, my son, that none of us is faultless.17LtMs, Lt 81, 1902, par. 13
Thousands traverse the broad road. But they walk in darkness, and will never reach heaven. The path of self-denial and self-sacrifice is the only path that will bring us to the city of God. “Strait is the gate and narrow is the road that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” [Matthew 7:14.] All who find it step in the footprints of Christ. This is the way to eternal life, to heaven. He who follows this path is certain to find perfect joy and life, everlasting life. Although his onward course is sometimes difficult and often wearisome, let him move forward steadfastly, trusting as a little child in the loving guidance of Him who “keepeth the feet of his saints.” [1 Samuel 2:9.] Let him have confidence and assurance, knowing that he will be kept from going astray.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 199, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 199, 1905, par. 6
When the enemy is seeking in every way to destroy, shall church members unite with him to discourage a man who is repentant, and is asking for forgiveness? God has not placed any man as judge. “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. ... Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” [Matthew 7:1, 2, 13, 14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 75, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 75, 1909, par. 1
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, and considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]24LtMs, Ms 75, 1909, par. 2
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” This promise is worth all the riches of the world. We can bring it to Christ and claim its fulfilment. “For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” [Verses 7, 8.]24LtMs, Ms 75, 1909, par. 10
“What man is there,” the Saviour says, “whom, if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?” [Matthew 7:9-11.]24LtMs, Ms 75, 1909, par. 21
“Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” [Matthew 7:13, 14.] How many will find this path right here? Will there be a few? His arms are ever outstretched to receive every penitent soul. Brethren and sisters, come up higher. There is a crown for you to win. There is a battle for you to fight, and God and His angels will help you in the warfare. Let us take hold together at this meeting, making this a place where God’s honor dwelleth.Matthew 7:1-27
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 71, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 71, 1895, par. 7
Many, many, many are professing to keep the commandments of God, and yet they are breaking them every day they live by their manifest want of love. The course that Brother and Sister Mason took in regard to Edson White was unjust and unrighteous. Edson, it is true, was not under the influence of the Spirit of God, and undoubtedly did wrong, but the very ones who censured him, who represented him as clothed in filthy garments were themselves not walking circumspectly, but were full of selfishness, greed, and suspicion, and were sustaining one another in a confederacy which was demoralizing to principle. In their hardness of heart they were much like the relentless servant to whom much had been forgiven, but who refused to forgive a small debt. I have been shown that those who judge unmercifully will themselves have justice without mercy. “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged. And with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:1, 2.] Those who hear but do not practice the words of Christ are running tremendous risks. Jesus says, “Every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the wind blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” [Verses 26, 27.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 75a, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 75a, 1900, par. 1
“Judge not, that ye be not judged; for with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:1, 2.]15LtMs, Ms 75a, 1900, par. 8
“Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye, and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:3-5.]15LtMs, Ms 75a, 1900, par. 25
Listen, all who have ears to hear: “Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, I will liken him unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” [Matthew 7:24-27.]Matthew 7:1-29
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 31—The Sermon on the Mount
DA 298.1
Christ seldom gathered His disciples alone to receive His words. He did not choose for His audience those only who knew the way of life. It was His work to reach the multitudes who were in ignorance and error. He gave His lessons of truth where they could reach the darkened understanding. He Himself was the Truth, standing with girded loins and hands ever outstretched to bless, and in words of warning, entreaty, and encouragement, seeking to uplift all who would come unto Him.DA 298.2
The Sermon on the Mount, though given especially to the disciples, was spoken in the hearing of the multitude. After the ordination of the apostles, Jesus went with them to the seaside. Here in the early morning the people had begun to assemble. Besides the usual crowds from the Galilean towns, there were people from Judea, and even from Jerusalem itself; from Perea, from Decapolis, from Idumea, away to the south of Judea; and from Tyre and Sidon, the Phoenician cities on the shore of the Mediterranean. “When they had heard what great things He did,” they “came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases: ... there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all.” Mark 3:8; Luke 6:17-19.DA 298.3
The narrow beach did not afford even standing room within reach of His voice for all who desired to hear Him, and Jesus led the way back to the mountainside. Reaching a level space that offered a pleasant gathering place for the vast assembly, He seated Himself on the grass, and the disciples and the multitude followed His example.DA 299.1
The disciples’ place was always next to Jesus. The people constantly pressed upon Him, yet the disciples understood that they were not to be crowded away from His presence. They sat close beside Him, that they might not lose a word of His instruction. They were attentive listeners, eager to understand the truths they were to make known to all lands and all ages.DA 299.2
With a feeling that something more than usual might be expected, they now pressed about their Master. They believed that the kingdom was soon to be established, and from the events of the morning they gathered assurance that some announcement concerning it was about to be made. A feeling of expectancy pervaded the multitude also, and eager faces gave evidence of the deep interest. As the people sat upon the green hillside, awaiting the words of the divine Teacher, their hearts were filled with thoughts of future glory. There were scribes and Pharisees who looked forward to the day when they should have dominion over the hated Romans, and possess the riches and splendor of the world’s great empire. The poor peasants and fishermen hoped to hear the assurance that their wretched hovels, the scanty food, the life of toil, and fear of want were to be exchanged for mansions of plenty and days of ease. In place of the one coarse garment which was their covering by day, and their blanket at night, they hoped that Christ would give them the rich and costly robes of their conquerors. All hearts thrilled with the proud hope that Israel was soon to be honored before the nations as the chosen of the Lord, and Jerusalem exalted as the head of a universal kingdom.DA 299.3
Christ disappointed the hope of worldly greatness. In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people. He saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness. He taught them of something infinitely better than they had known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature. The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God.DA 299.4
Christ’s first words to the people on the mount were words of blessing. Happy are they, He said, who recognize their spiritual poverty, and feel their need of redemption. The gospel is to be preached to the poor. Not to the spiritually proud, those who claim to be rich and in need of nothing, is it revealed, but to those who are humble and contrite. One fountain only has been opened for sin, a fountain for the poor in spirit.DA 300.1
The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until, convinced of his own weakness, and stripped of all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the control of God. Then he can receive the gift that God is waiting to bestow. From the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. He has unrestricted access to Him in whom all fullness dwells. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15.DA 300.2
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” By these words Christ does not teach that mourning in itself has power to remove the guilt of sin. He gives no sanction to pretense or to voluntary humility. The mourning of which He speaks does not consist in melancholy and lamentation. While we sorrow on account of sin, we are to rejoice in the precious privilege of being children of God.DA 300.3
We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences to ourselves; but this is not repentance. Real sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of the heart that has slighted and grieved the Saviour, and brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought anguish upon Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin.DA 300.4
The worldling may pronounce this sorrow a weakness; but it is the strength which binds the penitent to the Infinite One with links that cannot be broken. It shows that the angels of God are bringing back to the soul the graces that were lost through hardness of heart and transgression. The tears of the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness. This sorrow heralds a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul. “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God;” “and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 3:13, 12. “Unto them that mourn in Zion,” He has appointed to give “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Isaiah 61:3.DA 301.1
And for those also who mourn in trial and sorrow there is comfort. The bitterness of grief and humiliation is better than the indulgences of sin. Through affliction God reveals to us the plague spots in our characters, that by His grace we may overcome our faults. Unknown chapters in regard to ourselves are opened to us, and the test comes, whether we will accept the reproof and the counsel of God. When brought into trial, we are not to fret and complain. We should not rebel, or worry ourselves out of the hand of Christ. We are to humble the soul before God. The ways of the Lord are obscure to him who desires to see things in a light pleasing to himself. They appear dark and joyless to our human nature. But God’s ways are ways of mercy and the end is salvation. Elijah knew not what he was doing when in the desert he said that he had had enough of life, and prayed that he might die. The Lord in His mercy did not take him at his word. There was yet a great work for Elijah to do; and when his work was done, he was not to perish in discouragement and solitude in the wilderness. Not for him the descent into the dust of death, but the ascent in glory, with the convoy of celestial chariots, to the throne on high.DA 301.2
God’s word for the sorrowing is, “I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.” “I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.” Isaiah 57:18; Jeremiah 31:13.DA 301.3
“Blessed are the meek.” The difficulties we have to encounter may be very much lessened by that meekness which hides itself in Christ. If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character. Lowliness of heart is the strength that gives victory to the followers of Christ; it is the token of their connection with the courts above.DA 301.4
“Though the Lord be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly.” Psalm 138:6. Those who reveal the meek and lowly spirit of Christ are tenderly regarded by God. They may be looked upon with scorn by the world, but they are of great value in His sight. Not only the wise, the great, the beneficent, will gain a passport to the heavenly courts; not only the busy worker, full of zeal and restless activity. No; the poor in spirit, who crave the presence of an abiding Christ, the humble in heart, whose highest ambition is to do God’s will,—these will gain an abundant entrance. They will be among that number who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.” Revelation 7:15.DA 302.1
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness.” The sense of unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and this desire will not be disappointed. Those who make room in their hearts for Jesus will realize His love. All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image. The pure element of love will expand the soul, giving it a capacity for higher attainments, for increased knowledge of heavenly things, so that it will not rest short of the fullness. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.”DA 302.2
The merciful shall find mercy, and the pure in heart shall see God. Every impure thought defiles the soul, impairs the moral sense, and tends to obliterate the impressions of the Holy Spirit. It dims the spiritual vision, so that men cannot behold God. The Lord may and does forgive the repenting sinner; but though forgiven, the soul is marred. All impurity of speech or of thought must be shunned by him who would have clear discernment of spiritual truth.DA 302.3
But the words of Christ cover more than freedom from sensual impurity, more than freedom from that ceremonial defilement which the Jews so rigorously shunned. Selfishness prevents us from beholding God. The self-seeking spirit judges of God as altogether such a one as itself. Until we have renounced this, we cannot understand Him who is love. Only the unselfish heart, the humble and trustful spirit, shall see God as “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Exodus 34:6.DA 302.4
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” The peace of Christ is born of truth. It is harmony with God. The world is at enmity with the law of God; sinners are at enmity with their Maker; and as a result they are at enmity with one another. But the psalmist declares, “Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165. Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the purification and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension. “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;” and life’s desert “shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” Isaiah 55:13; 35:1.DA 305.1
The multitudes were amazed at this teaching, which was so at variance with the precepts and example of the Pharisees. The people had come to think that happiness consisted in the possession of the things of this world, and that fame and the honor of men were much to be coveted. It was very pleasing to be called “Rabbi,” and to be extolled as wise and religious, having their virtues paraded before the public. This was regarded as the crown of happiness. But in the presence of that vast throng, Jesus declared that earthly gain and honor were all the reward such persons would ever receive. He spoke with certainty, and a convincing power attended His words. The people were silenced, and a feeling of fear crept over them. They looked at one another doubtfully. Who of them would be saved if this Man’s teachings were true? Many were convicted that this remarkable Teacher was actuated by the Spirit of God, and that the sentiments He uttered were divine.DA 305.2
After explaining what constitutes true happiness, and how it may be obtained, Jesus more definitely pointed out the duty of His disciples, as teachers chosen of God to lead others into the path of righteousness and eternal life. He knew that they would often suffer from disappointment and discouragement, that they would meet with decided opposition, that they would be insulted, and their testimony rejected. Well He knew that in the fulfillment of their mission, the humble men who listened so attentively to His words were to bear calumny, torture, imprisonment, and death, and He continued:DA 305.3
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”DA 306.1
The world loves sin, and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of its hostility to Jesus. All who refuse His infinite love will find Christianity a disturbing element. The light of Christ sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is made manifest. While those who yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves, those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives.DA 306.2
Thus strife is created, and Christ’s followers are accused as troublers of the people. But it is fellowship with God that brings them the world’s enmity. They are bearing the reproach of Christ. They are treading the path that has been trodden by the noblest of the earth. Not with sorrow, but with rejoicing, should they meet persecution. Each fiery trial is God’s agent for their refining. Each is fitting them for their work as colaborers with Him. Each conflict has its place in the great battle for righteousness, and each will add to the joy of their final triumph. Having this in view, the test of their faith and patience will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded and avoided. Anxious to fulfill their obligation to the world, fixing their desire upon the approval of God, His servants are to fulfill every duty, irrespective of the fear or the favor of men.DA 306.3
“Ye are the salt of the earth,” Jesus said. Do not withdraw yourselves from the world in order to escape persecution. You are to abide among men, that the savor of the divine love may be as salt to preserve the world from corruption.DA 306.4
Hearts that respond to the influence of the Holy Spirit are the channels through which God’s blessing flows. Were those who serve God removed from the earth, and His Spirit withdrawn from among men, this world would be left to desolation and destruction, the fruit of Satan’s dominion. Though the wicked know it not, they owe even the blessings of this life to the presence, in the world, of God’s people whom they despise and oppress. But if Christians are such in name only, they are like the salt that has lost its savor. They have no influence for good in the world. Through their misrepresentation of God they are worse than unbelievers.DA 306.5
“Ye are the light of the world.” The Jews thought to confine the benefits of salvation to their own nation; but Christ showed them that salvation is like the sunshine. It belongs to the whole world. The religion of the Bible is not to be confined between the covers of a book, nor within the walls of a church. It is not to be brought out occasionally for our own benefit, and then to be carefully laid aside again. It is to sanctify the daily life, to manifest itself in every business transaction and in all our social relations.DA 307.1
True character is not shaped from without, and put on; it radiates from within. If we wish to direct others in the path of righteousness, the principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts. Our profession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion, but it is our practical piety that holds forth the word of truth. The consistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent spirit, the godly example,—these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world.DA 307.2
Jesus had not dwelt on the specifications of the law, but He did not leave His hearers to conclude that He had come to set aside its requirements. He knew that spies stood ready to seize upon every word that might be wrested to serve their purpose. He knew the prejudice that existed in the minds of many of His hearers, and He said nothing to unsettle their faith in the religion and institutions that had been committed to them through Moses. Christ Himself had given both the moral and the ceremonial law. He did not come to destroy confidence in His own instruction. It was because of His great reverence for the law and the prophets that He sought to break through the wall of traditional requirements which hemmed in the Jews. While He set aside their false interpretations of the law, He carefully guarded His disciples against yielding up the vital truths committed to the Hebrews.DA 307.3
The Pharisees prided themselves on their obedience to the law; yet they knew so little of its principles through everyday practice that to them the Saviour’s words sounded like heresy. As He swept away the rubbish under which the truth had been buried, they thought He was sweeping away the truth itself. They whispered to one another that He was making light of the law. He read their thoughts, and answered them, saying,—DA 307.4
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” Here Jesus refutes the charge of the Pharisees. His mission to the world is to vindicate the sacred claims of that law which they charge Him with breaking. If the law of God could have been changed or abrogated, then Christ need not have suffered the consequences of our transgression. He came to explain the relation of the law to man, and to illustrate its precepts by His own life of obedience.DA 308.1
God has given us His holy precepts, because He loves mankind. To shield us from the results of transgression, He reveals the principles of righteousness. The law is an expression of the thought of God; when received in Christ, it becomes our thought. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. God desires us to be happy, and He gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying them we might have joy. When at Jesus’ birth the angels sang,— “Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14),they were declaring the principles of the law which He had come to magnify and make honorable.
DA 308.2
When the law was proclaimed from Sinai, God made known to men the holiness of His character, that by contrast they might see the sinfulness of their own. The law was given to convict them of sin, and reveal their need of a Saviour. It would do this as its principles were applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit. This work it is still to do. In the life of Christ the principles of the law are made plain; and as the Holy Spirit of God touches the heart, as the light of Christ reveals to men their need of His cleansing blood and His justifying righteousness, the law is still an agent in bringing us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” Psalm 19:7.DA 308.3
“Till heaven and earth pass,” said Jesus, “one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” The sun shining in the heavens, the solid earth upon which you dwell, are God’s witnesses that His law is changeless and eternal. Though they may pass away, the divine precepts shall endure. “It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.” Luke 16:17. The system of types that pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God was to be abolished at His death; but the precepts of the Decalogue are as immutable as the throne of God.DA 308.4
Since “the law of the Lord is perfect,” every variation from it must be evil. Those who disobey the commandments of God, and teach others to do so, are condemned by Christ. The Saviour’s life of obedience maintained the claims of the law; it proved that the law could be kept in humanity, and showed the excellence of character that obedience would develop. All who obey as He did are likewise declaring that the law is “holy, and just, and good.” Romans 7:12. On the other hand, all who break God’s commandments are sustaining Satan’s claim that the law is unjust, and cannot be obeyed. Thus they second the deceptions of the great adversary, and cast dishonor upon God. They are the children of the wicked one, who was the first rebel against God’s law. To admit them into heaven would again bring in the elements of discord and rebellion, and imperil the well-being of the universe. No man who willfully disregards one principle of the law shall enter the kingdom of heaven.DA 309.1
The rabbis counted their righteousness a passport to heaven; but Jesus declared it to be insufficient and unworthy. External ceremonies and a theoretical knowledge of truth constituted Pharisaical righteousness. The rabbis claimed to be holy through their own efforts in keeping the law; but their works had divorced righteousness from religion. While they were punctilious in ritual observances, their lives were immoral and debased. Their so-called righteousness could never enter the kingdom of heaven.DA 309.2
The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ’s day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness. A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life. The darkest chapters of history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists. The Pharisees claimed to be children of Abraham, and boasted of their possession of the oracles of God; yet these advantages did not preserve them from selfishness, malignity, greed for gain, and the basest hypocrisy. They thought themselves the greatest religionists of the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory.DA 309.3
The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life. They have not believed and loved it, therefore they have not received the power and grace that come through sanctification of the truth. Men may profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world.DA 310.1
The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to the revealed will of God. Sinful men can become righteous only as they have faith in God and maintain a vital connection with Him. Then true godliness will elevate the thoughts and ennoble the life. Then the external forms of religion accord with the Christian’s internal purity. Then the ceremonies required in the service of God are not meaningless rites, like those of the hypocritical Pharisees.DA 310.2
Jesus takes up the commandments separately, and explains the depth and breadth of their requirement. Instead of removing one jot of their force, He shows how far-reaching their principles are, and exposes the fatal mistake of the Jews in their outward show of obedience. He declares that by the evil thought or the lustful look the law of God is transgressed. One who becomes a party to the least injustice is breaking the law and degrading his own moral nature. Murder first exists in the mind. He who gives hatred a place in his heart is setting his feet in the path of the murderer, and his offerings are abhorrent to God.DA 310.3
The Jews cultivated a spirit of retaliation. In their hatred of the Romans they gave utterance to hard denunciations, and pleased the wicked one by manifesting his attributes. Thus they were training themselves to do the terrible deeds to which he led them on. In the religious life of the Pharisees there was nothing to recommend piety to the Gentiles. Jesus bade them not to deceive themselves with the thought that they could in heart rise up against their oppressors, and cherish the longing to avenge their wrongs.DA 310.4
It is true there is an indignation that is justifiable, even in the followers of Christ. When they see that God is dishonored, and His service brought into disrepute, when they see the innocent oppressed, a righteous indignation stirs the soul. Such anger, born of sensitive morals, is not a sin. But those who at any supposed provocation feel at liberty to indulge anger or resentment are opening the heart to Satan. Bitterness and animosity must be banished from the soul if we would be in harmony with heaven.DA 310.5
The Saviour goes farther than this. He says, “If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Many are zealous in religious services, while between them and their brethren are unhappy differences which they might reconcile. God requires them to do all in their power to restore harmony. Until they do this, He cannot accept their services. The Christian’s duty in this matter is clearly pointed out.DA 311.1
God pours His blessings upon all. “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” He is “kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” Luke 6:35. He bids us to be like Him. “Bless them that curse you,” said Jesus; “do good to them that hate you, ... that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” These are the principles of the law, and they are the wellsprings of life.DA 311.2
God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.DA 311.3
The tempter’s agency is not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act. Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.DA 311.4
The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life. Jesus was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of man; yet He was the blameless Son of God. He was God in the flesh. His character is to be ours. The Lord says of those who believe in Him, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 2 Corinthians 6:16.DA 311.5
Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw, the base resting on the earth, and the topmost round reaching to the gate of heaven, to the very threshold of glory. If that ladder had failed by a single step of reaching the earth, we should have been lost. But Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we through taking His nature might overcome. Made “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), He lived a sinless life. Now by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God. Therefore are we to be perfect, even as our “Father which is in heaven is perfect.”DA 312.1
Jesus had shown in what righteousness consists, and had pointed to God as its source. Now He turned to practical duties. In almsgiving, in prayer, in fasting, He said, let nothing be done to attract attention or win praise to self. Give in sincerity, for the benefit of the suffering poor. In prayer, let the soul commune with God. In fasting, go not with the head bowed down, and heart filled with thoughts of self. The heart of the Pharisee is a barren and profitless soil, in which no seeds of divine life can flourish. It is he who yields himself most unreservedly to God that will render Him the most acceptable service. For through fellowship with God men become workers together with Him in presenting His character in humanity.DA 312.2
The service rendered in sincerity of heart has great recompense. “Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly.” By the life we live through the grace of Christ the character is formed. The original loveliness begins to be restored to the soul. The attributes of the character of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shine forth. The faces of men and women who walk and work with God express the peace of heaven. They are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these souls the kingdom of God has begun. They have Christ’s joy, the joy of being a blessing to humanity. They have the honor of being accepted for the Master’s use; they are trusted to do His work in His name.DA 312.3
“No man can serve two masters.” We cannot serve God with a divided heart. Bible religion is not one influence among many others; its influence is to be supreme, pervading and controlling every other. It is not to be like a dash of color brushed here and there upon the canvas, but it is to pervade the whole life, as if the canvas were dipped into the color, until every thread of the fabric were dyed a deep, unfading hue.DA 312.4
“If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” Purity and steadfastness of purpose are the conditions of receiving light from God. He who desires to know the truth must be willing to accept all that it reveals. He can make no compromise with error. To be wavering and halfhearted in allegiance to truth is to choose the darkness of error and satanic delusion.DA 313.1
Worldly policy and the undeviating principles of righteousness do not blend into each other imperceptibly, like the colors of the rainbow. Between the two a broad, clear line is drawn by the eternal God. The likeness of Christ stands out as distinct from that of Satan as midday in contrast with midnight. And only those who live the life of Christ are His co-workers. If one sin is cherished in the soul, or one wrong practice retained in the life, the whole being is contaminated. The man becomes an instrument of unrighteousness.DA 313.2
All who have chosen God’s service are to rest in His care. Christ pointed to the birds flying in the heavens, to the flowers of the field, and bade His hearers consider these objects of God’s creation. “Are not ye of much more value than they?” He said. Matthew 6:26, R. V. The measure of divine attention bestowed on any object is proportionate to its rank in the scale of being. The little brown sparrow is watched over by Providence. The flowers of the field, the grass that carpets the earth, share the notice and care of our heavenly Father. The great Master Artist has taken thought for the lilies, making them so beautiful that they outshine the glory of Solomon. How much more does He care for man, who is the image and glory of God. He longs to see His children reveal a character after His similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their varied and delicate tints, so does God impart to the soul the beauty of His own character.DA 313.3
All who choose Christ’s kingdom of love and righteousness and peace, making its interest paramount to all other, are linked to the world above, and every blessing needed for this life is theirs. In the book of God’s providence, the volume of life, we are each given a page. That page contains every particular of our history; even the hairs of the head are numbered. God’s children are never absent from His mind.DA 313.4
“Be not therefore anxious for the morrow.” Matthew 6:34, R. V. We are to follow Christ day by day. God does not bestow help for tomorrow. He does not give His children all the directions for their life journey at once, lest they should become confused. He tells them just as much as they can remember and perform. The strength and wisdom imparted are for the present emergency. “If any of you lack wisdom,”—for today,—“let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5.DA 314.1
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Do not think yourself better than other men, and set yourself up as their judge. Since you cannot discern motive, you are incapable of judging another. In criticizing him, you are passing sentence upon yourself; for you show that you are a participant with Satan, the accuser of the brethren. The Lord says, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” This is our work. “If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:31.DA 314.2
The good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. And though the eternal reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that has been done through the grace of Christ.DA 314.3
Thus Christ set forth the principles of His kingdom, and showed them to be the great rule of life. To impress the lesson He adds an illustration. It is not enough, He says, for you to hear My words. By obedience you must make them the foundation of your character. Self is but shifting sand. If you build upon human theories and inventions, your house will fall. By the winds of temptation, the tempests of trial, it will be swept away. But these principles that I have given will endure. Receive Me; build on My words.DA 314.4
“Everyone therefore which heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, which built his house upon the rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock.” Matthew 7:24, 25, R.V.Testimony for the Church — No. 8
The Two Crowns
T08 58.2
Matthew 7 [6]:19-24: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 21, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 21, 1889, par. 6
Last night I had an ill turn. I felt somewhat weak and indisposed this morning, yet I had a desire to attend the morning meeting at half past five. It was a privilege to speak to the few assembled, upon the subject of faith. (Matthew 7); “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.6LtMs, Ms 21, 1889, par. 7
“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” Matthew 7:7-11.6LtMs, Ms 21, 1889, par. 27
My dear daughter Mary White came on the cars from Boulder today. She is very cheerful but much poorer than when I last saw her. Dear child, my hearts yearns after her. I love her. I still cling to the promises, “Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find,” etc. [John 16:24; Matthew 7:7.]6LtMs, Ms 21, 1889, par. 36
Attended morning meeting. Made remarks upon Matthew 7:13, 14. Let us strive to enter in at the strait gate. “Enter ye in at the strait gate,” etc.6LtMs, Ms 21, 1889, par. 40
Spoke to a large company in the large tent from Matthew 7:20. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” The people listened with deepest interest. I do believe that the Lord impressed minds with the truth and that the seed sown will take root and spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God.6LtMs, Ms 21, 1889, par. 43
Will you church members read and understand and practice this seventh chapter of Matthew? Will you bear good fruit, so that you will be known by your fruit? Will you now stop your criticizing of the mote in your brother’s eye, while you consider not “the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:3-5.6LtMs, Ms 21, 1889, par. 44
It is these difficulties [which] unsanctified church members create for themselves that give so much sorrow to households and church members. If they would forever stop their criticizing and thinking evil, they would have some favorable chance to see the beams in their own eyes, and begin the work of having that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Then the words of Christ in (verse 12) would be understood. Then the 13th verse and the 14th verse would be obeyed.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 69, 1891
7LtMs, Lt 69, 1891, par. 5
Today I have been writing on the life of Christ, Matthew 7 chapter. I have put in good time today, as Sara has been ready and Marian and I [had] to have some exercise in unloading the wood. They were big loads I assure you.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 83, 1891
7LtMs, Ms 83, 1891, par. 1
Text: Matthew 7:1-7. Are there any “if’s” in this matter? There is no “if” except “if ye ask.” There is no condition of the mind that exclude us from asking. If only you desire those things for which you ask. [There are] no conditions spiritually. So if we desire the things of God we must comply with the condition of seeking them. Verses 8-11. “Good things,” according to Luke, is the Holy Spirit [Luke 11:13]; and that is what we want, to thirst after godliness. [Matthew 7] Verse 12.7LtMs, Ms 83, 1891, par. 2
We want to dwell, this morning, especially upon the importance of our exercising that simple faith which takes God at His word. We feel sorry that there is a necessity of presenting this matter again. I do not know as we are sorry that it is presented, but notwithstanding that it is presented that minds fail to grasp it. But our minds must be broad enough to comprehend the promises made to us. I have taken one of the very promises so [simple] that a child can understand it. Verse 11. And we are told what kind of asking this is. If we ask, there is a possibility of our having the things promised; is that the way it is put? Is there any hesitancy in this matter? We would think so from the actions of those who ask, but there is no need of it; there is no excuse for one doubt.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 39, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 39, 1893, par. 2
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things”—the Holy Spirit—“to them that ask him.” [Matthew 7:7-11; Luke 11:13.]8LtMs, Ms 39, 1893, par. 3
I will not dishonor God with unbelief. I take Him at His word. He hath promised. I appropriate the promise to myself. The blessing is mine; by faith I grasp it, and will not doubt. Very precious to me in the night season is my contemplation of Jesus and His matchless love. Why should we become weak and nerveless in religious experience? Why should our souls be anxious and worrying? Why should we not venture out in the promises given in Matthew 7? Let our hearts go out after God. Lord, increase our faith.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 85, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 85, 1894, par. 8
Although some were down with influenza, and could not come to the meeting, yet on the whole we had a very good attendance. I spoke from Matthew, seventh chapter, dwelling especially upon the promise, “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” [Verse 7.] I presented to the people some thoughts upon the willingness of God to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, showing them that He is more willing to give them the Holy Spirit than parents are to give good gifts unto their children. The most of those present followed me with their Bibles, and seemed much interested as I presented the case of Moses as he pled with God for one spiritual blessing after another, advancing step by step, not selfishly, but taking the people with him. He made intercession for the people, encircling them with the arm of faith, and like our merciful Saviour, laying hold of the throne of God, he presented the people sinful as they were before the mercy seat. “And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, O, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.” [Exodus 32:31, 32.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 40, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15
The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 48
A “Thus saith the Lord” is counted as an idle tale. Fables are chosen before the truth of heavenly origin. Warnings are unheeded, invitations to repentance are slighted, and the convictions of the Spirit of God. Confirmed impenitence is the result of refusing light and walking in the sparks of our own kindling. Those who follow this course follow unsafe paths, which lead to perdition. They are called upon to come out from the world and be separate. But the straight and narrow path does not look attractive; it is hard to enter in at the strait gate, and their eyes turn with longing desire to the wide gate and the broad road. “Wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.” [Matthew 7:13.]12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 49
Fatal hardness of heart! The peace, the mercy, the grace, the exceeding great reward of obedience are now hidden from their eyes. The irrevocable sentence of condemnation must come from the divine lips. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” [Verses 22, 23.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 149, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 149, 1897, par. 8
“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said, Receive ye the Holy Ghost; whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted.” [Verses 22, 23.] The warnings in the seventh chapter of Matthew forbid men from pronouncing judgment on their fellow men. The remission of sins is to be understood as the prerogative of God alone. The Holy Spirit will convince of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. The lesson given to the disciples means that wise men, truly taught of God, possessing the inward working of the Holy Spirit, are to be representative men, samples of the whole body of believers. These are to show themselves capable of preserving due order in the church.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 7, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 7, 1898, par. 20
Read the second chapter of James. Practice the truth in your daily life and you will know the work that the Lord has given you to do. Read also the fourth chapter, especially (verses 5-12); and chapter five, especially verses 13-20. These chapters are a dead letter to the larger number of those who claim to be Seventh-day Adventists. I am directed to point you to these Scriptures, and to the seventh chapter of Matthew. You need to study every word as for your life.13LtMs, Ms 7, 1898, par. 22
Especially give heed to these words: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him to a wise man, which built his house upon a rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” [Verses 24-27.] Many houses now supposed to stand secure will fall. The Lord declares that He will not accept divided service.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 138, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 4
The other class is made up of those who profess great piety, who, when God calls to them, promise to obey. But they obey not. In the instruction given in the seventh chapter of Matthew these pretentious hypocrites are described. Christ declares, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” [Verses 21-23.]14LtMs, Ms 138, 1899, par. 5
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” [Verses 12-15.] Those who ought to have been working earnestly in Christ’s vineyard, rendering to [Him] the very choicest fruit, were manifesting a spirit which characterized them as ravening wolves.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 53, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4
In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6
We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Lt 170, 1901
16LtMs, Lt 170, 1901, par. 14
Christ’s instruction is so clear and simple that no one need make a mistake. How plain and forcible is the instruction given in the seventh chapter of Matthew. There is not a word that cannot be understood.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 91, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15
Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 103, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 103, 1905, par. 8
Last night I was in the night season talking to a company such as you bring to my mind in speaking of your seasons of family worship. I was repeating the promise given in the seventh chapter of Matthew, “Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” [Verses 7, 8.]20LtMs, Lt 103, 1905, par. 9
“Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” [Verses 9-12.]20LtMs, Lt 103, 1905, par. 11
“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” [Verses 13, 14.]20LtMs, Lt 103, 1905, par. 13
The way to heaven is narrow, hedged in by the divine law of Jehovah. Those who follow this way must constantly deny self. They must obey the teachings of Christ. “The words that I speak unto you,” He said to His apostles, “They are spirit and they are life.” [John 6:63.] Temptation will sometimes be strong. Let us not trust in man, but in Jesus Christ, who died that He might win us to righteousness. When He commands, do not stand and consult your own convenience. “Enter in at the strait gate.” [Matthew 7:13.] Life and death, good and evil, are set before every soul.20LtMs, Lt 103, 1905, par. 14
Now comes a warning. “Beware of false prophets”—those who pretend to be Christians—“which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit.” Why? Because the root, the heart, is purified and cleansed. “Neither can a corrupt tree,” be it ever so productive, “bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” [Verses 15-20.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 62, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 62, 1905, par. 5
Study the words of Christ in the seventh chapter of Matthew. The whole chapter should be carefully considered. It contains warnings for God’s people in these last days.20LtMs, Ms 62, 1905, par. 8
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell; and great was the fall of it.” [Verses 15-27.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 115, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 115, 1905, par. 9
Read and obey the principles laid down in the seventh chapter of Matthew, if you would have the life to come. Be a true, humble learner at the feet of Christ, beseeching Him to cleanse your heart from all defilement, to rid your character of all deformity. Christ expects you to live lives that will lead others to Him.20LtMs, Ms 115, 1905, par. 10
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him.” [Verses 7-11.]20LtMs, Ms 115, 1905, par. 12
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.” [Verse 12.] “When ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger; I am the Lord your God. Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. And ye shall not swear by My name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God; I am the Lord. Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him; the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shalt fear thy God; I am the Lord. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment; thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty; but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.” [Leviticus 19:9-15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 101, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, par. 51
I have a message for our churches nigh and afar off. There is to be a deeper consecration than has yet been seen, or many will be unprepared to enter the holy city. With some there is a desire to be first, to rule. This is right—to desire to be first in good works, in attaining the Christian graces. But to many the words of Christ as recorded in the seventh chapter of Matthew are applicable today. Read and study this chapter carefully. These are the words of Christ, and it is for every individual to make diligent work for his own salvation.21LtMs, Ms 101, 1906, par. 55
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” [Verses 13-27.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 218, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 218, 1907, par. 3
Among the workers throughout the printing office, there needs to be true conversion of heart and mind and spirit. The Spirit of Christ must circulate through that institution as the blood circulates through the body. Let no half-way work be done. It is time now for self to be crucified. The day of Pentecost has not yet fully come to the workers in Nashville. When it comes, the laborers will unite in a work of true repentance and conversion. Then Christ and heavenly angels will co-operate with them in their daily labors. Study the fifth chapter of Matthew. All who will earnestly seek to understand the character of those whom the Lord here designates as “blessed” will gain a valuable experience [as] ministers of righteousness. [Verses 3-11.] Study also the seventh chapter of Matthew. Here are presented principles that should be practiced by all who engage in the work of the publishing house.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 8, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 8, 1910, par. 4
Many precious and important lessons are found in the words of Christ, as recorded in the gospel of Matthew, chapters four to seven.25LtMs, Lt 8, 1910, par. 14
I am charged also to call the attention of our ministers and church members to the instruction given in the seventh chapter of Matthew. There are many who need to study this chapter most critically again and again. Let them study for their own enlightenment, and not to prove the supposed faults they discern in other church members. The defects pointed out in those whose thoughts are absorbed with the faults of others are very serious; and unless there are decided conversions, many who think that they are lights will prove to be stumbling blocks.From Heaven With Love
Chapter 31—The Sermon on the Mount
HLv 198.1
Christ seldom gathered His disciples alone to receive His words. It was His work to reach the multitudes, in words of warning, entreaty, and encouragement, seeking to uplift all who would come to Him.HLv 198.2
The Sermon on the Mount, though given especially to the disciples, was spoken in the hearing of the multitude. After the ordination of the apostles, Jesus went to the seaside. In the early morning people had begun to assemble. “When they had heard what great things He did,” they “came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases; ... there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all.” Mark 3:8; Luke 6:17-19.HLv 198.3
The narrow beach did not afford even standing room, and Jesus led the way back to the mountainside. Reaching a level space that offered a pleasant gathering place, He seated Himself on the grass, and the disciples and the multitude followed His example.HLv 198.4
The disciples sat close beside Him, eager to understand the truths they were to make known to all lands and all ages. They believed that the kingdom was soon to be established.HLv 198.5
A feeling of expectancy pervaded the multitude also. As the people sat on the green hillside, their hearts were filled with thoughts of future glory. Scribes and Pharisees looked forward to the day when they should have dominion over the hated Romans and possess the riches and splendor of the world’s great empire. Poor peasants and fishermen hoped to hear that their wretched hovels, scanty food, and fear of want were to be exchanged for mansions and ease. They hoped that Israel was soon to be honored before the nations as the chosen of the Lord, and Jerusalem exalted as the head of a universal kingdom.HLv 199.1
In the Sermon on the Mount Christ sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature. Happy are they, He said, who recognize their spiritual poverty and feel their need of redemption. Not to the spiritually proud is the gospel revealed, but to those who are humble and contrite.HLv 199.2
The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until he yields himself to the control of God. Then he can receive the gift God is waiting to bestow. From the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. See Isaiah 57:15.HLv 199.3
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” The mourning of which He speaks does not consist in melancholy and lamentation. We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences, but real sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look on Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for sins that have brought anguish on Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin. This sorrow binds the penitent to the Infinite One. The tears of the penitent are the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness, heralding a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul. See Jeremiah 3:12, 13; Isaiah 61:3.HLv 200.1
For those also who mourn in trial and sorrow there is comfort. Through affliction God reveals to us the plague spots in our characters, that by His grace we may overcome. Unknown chapters in regard to ourselves are opened to us, and the test comes, whether we will accept the reproof and counsel of God. When in trial, we should not rebel or worry ourselves out of the hand of Christ. The ways of the Lord appear dark and joyless to our human nature. But God’s ways are ways of mercy, and the end is salvation.HLv 200.2
God’s word for the sorrowing is, “I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them.” Jeremiah 31:13.HLv 200.3
“Blessed are the meek.” The difficulties we encounter may be much lessened by that meekness which hides itself in Christ. If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above slights, rebuffs, and annoyances. They will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. He who under abuse fails to maintain a calm spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character. Lowliness of heart is the strength that gives victory to the followers of Christ.HLv 200.4
Those who reveal the meek and lowly spirit of Christ may be looked on with scorn by the world, but they are of great value in God’s sight. The poor in spirit, the humble in heart, whose highest ambition is to do God’s will—these will be among that number who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.HLv 200.5
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.” The sense of unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger for righteousness. All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. Love will expand the soul, giving it a capacity for higher attainments, for increased knowledge of heavenly things, so that it will not rest short of the fullness.HLv 201.1
The merciful shall find mercy, and the pure in heart shall see God. Every impure thought impairs the moral sense and tends to obliterate the impressions of the Holy Spirit. The Lord may and does forgive the repenting sinner; but though forgiven, the soul is marred. All impurity of speech or thought must be shunned by him who would have clear discernment of spiritual truth.HLv 201.2
But the words of Christ cover more than freedom from sensual impurity, more than freedom from that ceremonial defilement which the Jews so rigorously shunned. Selfishness prevents us from beholding God. Until we have renounced self-seeking, we cannot understand Him who is love. Only the unselfish heart, the humble and trustful spirit, shall see God as “merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Exodus 34:6.HLv 201.3
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” The world is at enmity with the law of God; sinners are at enmity with their Maker. As a result they are at enmity with one another. Human plans will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension.HLv 201.4
The people had come to think that happiness consisted in the possession of the things of this world, and that fame and honor were to be coveted. It was very pleasing to be called “Rabbi” and to be extolled as wise and religious. But Jesus declared that earthly honor was all such persons would ever receive. A convincing power attended His words. Many were convinced that this remarkable Teacher was actuated by the Spirit of God.HLv 201.5
After explaining how true happiness may be obtained, Jesus pointed out the duty of His disciples. He knew that they would often be insulted, and their testimony rejected. The humble men who listened to His words were to bear calumny, torture, imprisonment, and death, and He continued:HLv 202.1
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”HLv 202.2
The world loves sin and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of its hostility to Jesus. The light of Christ sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is made manifest. Those who yield to the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves; those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives.HLv 202.3
Thus Christ’s followers are accused as troublers of the people. But it is fellowship with God that brings them the world’s enmity. They are treading the path trodden by the noblest of earth. Each fiery trial is God’s agent for their refining. Each conflict will add to the joy of their final triumph. Having this in view, the test of their faith will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded.HLv 202.4
“Ye are the salt of the earth.” Do not withdraw yourselves from the world in order to escape persecution. You are to abide among men, that the savor of divine love may be as salt to preserve the world from corruption. If those who serve God were removed from the earth, this world would be left to destruction. The wicked owe even the blessings of this life to the presence in the world of God’s people whom they despise and oppress. But if Christians are such in name only, they are like salt that has lost its savor. Through misrepresentation of God they are worse than unbelievers.HLv 202.5
“Ye are the light of the world.” Salvation is like sunshine; it belongs to the whole world. The religion of the Bible is not to be confined between the covers of a book, nor within the walls of a church. It is to sanctify the daily life and manifest itself in all our social relations. The principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our hearts. The consistent life, the unswerving integrity, the benevolent spirit, the godly example—these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world.HLv 203.1
Jesus knew that spies stood ready to seize every word that might be wrested to serve their purpose. He said nothing to unsettle faith in the institutions committed through Moses. Christ Himself had given both the moral and the ceremonial law. He did not come to destroy confidence in His own instruction. While He set aside false interpretations of the law, He carefully guarded against yielding up the vital truths committed to the Hebrews.HLv 203.2
To the Pharisees the Saviour’s words sounded like heresy. As He swept away the rubbish under which truth had been buried, they thought He was sweeping away the truth itself. He read their thoughts, and answered them, saying, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” His mission was to vindicate the sacred claims of that law which they charged Him with breaking. If the law of God could have been changed or abrogated, then Christ need not have suffered the consequences of our transgression. He came to explain the relation of the law to man, and to illustrate its precepts by His life of obedience.HLv 203.3
God loves mankind. To shield us from the results of transgression, He has revealed the principles of righteousness. When the law is received in Christ, it lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. God gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying them we might have joy.HLv 203.4
At Sinai, God made known to men the holiness of His character, that by contrast they might see the sinfulness of their own. The law was given to convict them of sin, and reveal their need of a Saviour. This work it is still to do. As the Holy Spirit reveals to men their need of Christ’s cleansing blood and justifying righteousness, the law is still an agent in bringing us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” Psalm 19:7.HLv 204.1
“Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” The sun shining, and the solid earth are God’s witnesses that His law is eternal. Though they may pass away, the divine precepts shall endure. The system of types that pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God was to be abolished at His death, but the Decalogue is as immutable as the throne of God.HLv 204.2
The Saviour’s life of obedience proved that the law could be kept in humanity and showed the excellence of character that obedience would develop. On the other hand, all who break God’s commandments sustain Satan’s claim that the law cannot be obeyed. To admit them to heaven would again bring in discord and rebellion, and imperil the well-being of the universe. No one who willfully disregards one principle of the law shall enter the kingdom of heaven.HLv 204.3
The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ’s day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness.HLv 204.4
A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life. The darkest chapters of history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists. The Pharisees thought themselves the greatest religionists of the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory. Many profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world.HLv 205.1
Jesus took up the commandments separately and showed how far-reaching their principles are. He declared that by the evil thought or lustful look the law of God is transgressed. The least injustice is breaking the law. He who gives hatred a place in his heart is setting his feet in the path of the murderer.HLv 205.2
The Jews cultivated a spirit of retaliation. In their hatred of the Romans they gave utterance to hard denunciations, training themselves to do terrible deeds. There is an indignation that is justifiable, even in the followers of Christ. When they see God dishonored and the innocent oppressed, a righteous indignation stirs the soul. Such anger is not sin. But bitterness and animosity must be banished from the soul if we would be in harmony with heaven.HLv 205.3
God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. “Be ye, therefore, perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.HLv 205.4
Satan’s temptations are not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.HLv 205.5
As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their lives. Jesus was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He shared the lot of man; yet He was the blameless Son of God. He was God in the flesh. His character is to be ours.HLv 206.2
We are to be perfect, even as our “Father which is in heaven is perfect.”HLv 206.3
Jesus had shown in what righteousness consists and had pointed to God as its source. Now He turned to practical duties. Let nothing be done to attract attention or win praise to self. Give in sincerity, for the benefit of the suffering poor. In prayer, commune with God. In fasting, go not with the heart filled with thoughts of self.HLv 206.4
Service rendered in sincerity of heart has great recompense. “Thy Father which seeth in secret will reward thee openly.” By the life we live through the grace of Christ the character is formed. The attributes of the character of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shine forth. Men and women who walk and work with God are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these souls the kingdom of God has begun.HLv 206.5
“No man can serve two masters.” Bible religion is not one influence among many others; it is to pervade the whole life.HLv 206.6
“If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body will be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” He who desires to know the truth must be willing to accept all that it reveals. To be wavering and halfhearted in allegiance to truth is to choose error and satanic delusion.HLv 206.7
Worldly policy and the principles of righteousness do not blend into each other, like the colors of the rainbow. Between the two a clear line is drawn by God. The likeness of Christ stands out as distinct from that of Satan, as midday in contrast with midnight. And only those who live the life of Christ are His coworkers.HLv 207.1
All who have chosen God’s service are to rest in His care. Christ pointed to the birds flying in the heavens, and to the flowers of the field, and asked: “Are you not of more value than they?” RSV. The little brown sparrow is watched over. The flowers, the grass, share the notice of our heavenly Father. The great Master Artist has taken thought for the lilies, making them outshine the glory of Solomon. How much more does He care for man, who is the image and glory of God. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their delicate tints, so God imparts to the soul the beauty of His own character.HLv 207.2
In the book of God’s providence, the volume of life, we are each given a page. That page contains every particular of our history. God’s children are never absent from His mind. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow.” RSV. God does not give His children all the directions for their life journey at once. He tells them just as much as they can remember and perform. Strength and wisdom imparted are for the present emergency.HLv 207.4
The good tree will produce good fruit. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work done through grace.HLv 208.1
Thus Christ set forth the principles of His kingdom. To impress the lesson, He added an illustration. It is not enough, He says, to hear My words; by obedience, you must make them the foundation of your character. If you build on human theories, your house will fall. By the winds of temptation and trial it will be swept away. But these principles that I have given will endure. Receive Me; build on My words.HLv 208.2
“Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” RSV.From Heaven With Love
Temptations Are Not Excuses
HLv 206.1
Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw, the base resting on the earth, the topmost round reaching heaven. If that ladder had failed by a single step of reaching the earth, we should have been lost. But Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we, through taking His nature, might overcome. Made “in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3), He lived a sinless life. Now He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God.HLv 207.3
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Do not think yourself better than other men and set yourself up as their judge. You cannot discern motive. In criticizing him, you are passing sentence on yourself; for you show that you are a participant with Satan, the accuser of the brethren. See 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:31.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 25, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, par. 10
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:1-5.]21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, par. 11
“Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.” [Verses 7-12.]21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, par. 14
“Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils, and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I confess unto them, I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” [Verses 13-23.]21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, par. 17
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand; and the rain descended, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell; and great was the fall of it.” [Verses 24-27.]21LtMs, Ms 25, 1906, par. 18
“And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine; for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” [Verses 28, 29.]Matthew 7:2
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 19—The Measure of Forgiveness
COL 251.4
We are not forgiven because we forgive, but as we forgive. The ground of all forgiveness is found in the unmerited love of God, but by our attitude toward others we show whether we have made that love our own. Wherefore Christ says, “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:2.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Restore the Fallen
2TT 88.2
Let poor, weak mortals consider how great is their own need of pity and forbearance from God and from their brethren. Let them beware how they judge and condemn others. We should give heed to the instruction of the apostle: “Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1. We may fall under temptation and need all the forbearance which we are called to exercise toward the offender. “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:2.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Breathe the Atmosphere of Heaven
2TT 250.4
Our meetings for worship should be sacred, precious occasions. The prayer meeting is not a place where brethren are to censure and condemn one another, where there are to be unkind feelings and hard speeches. Christ will be driven from the assemblies where this spirit is manifested, and Satan will come in to take the lead. Nothing that savors of an unchristian, unloving spirit should be permitted to enter; for do we not assemble to seek mercy and forgiveness from the Lord? and the Saviour has plainly said: “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:2. Who can stand before God and plead a faultless character, a blameless life? And how, then, dare any criticize and condemn their brethren? Those who themselves can hope for salvation only through the merits of Christ, who must seek forgiveness by virtue of His blood, are under the strongest obligation to exercise love, pity, and forgiveness toward their fellow sinners.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Ms 2, 1876
3LtMs, Ms 2, 1876, par. 7
“You make mistakes. You are an erring man. As you wish others to judge you mercifully, do the same to the erring. Give sympathy, give love, and you will find this power will soften and subdue the most wayward, and the greatest good will be realized upon your own heart and life. You will feel the subduing influence of the power of that love you exercise and cultivate toward others. You are a teacher. You should represent the great Teacher in your sympathy and tender, pitying love. As you love, you will be loved; as you pity, you will receive the same. ‘With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.’ [Matthew 7:2.] Love is power. It will have a transforming influence, for it is divine.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 51a, 1878
3LtMs, Lt 51a, 1878, par. 28
“With what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged.” [Matthew 7:2.] We each have an individual case pending at the court of heaven. Your character is being weighed in the balance of the sanctuary, and it should be your earnest desire to walk humbly before God, being distrustful of yourself, jealous of yourself lest you fail to let your light shine forth to others, jealous lest you fail of the grace of God and lose everything that is of value. All dissension, all faultfinding and differences should be put away, with all evil speaking and bitterness; and kindness, love, compassion for one another should be cherished, that the prayer of Christ may be answered that His disciples may be one as He was one with the Father, “that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” [John 17:21.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Lt 4, 1892
7LtMs, Lt 4, 1892, par. 3
Your husband must not be treated by you at any time as if he were under your molding hand. Leave him with God. Pray for him, and watch unto prayer, and be careful not to reflect your own spirit upon him and stir him up by hear-says, not only expressing your opinions, but in a decided manner urging your opinion in regard to the faults and waywardness of others and the measures that must be adopted in reference to them. They are Christ’s, purchased by Him. Therefore Christ has enjoined upon you to judge not; “for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.” [Matthew 7:2.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 103, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 103, 1901, par. 11
We are to give sincere, earnest attention to the instruction of Christ, realizing the importance of hearing correctly, that God may use us in instructing others. “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:2.] The measure of the earnestness with which you hear My Word, that you may benefit others, will be the measure which will be given back to you. To him who hath—who listens intently that he may receive knowledge to lay up in the treasure-house and impart to others—shall be given; for God sees that he will use his knowledge aright. He who hath not—who has not improved his opportunities, who has not practiced the truth that others may see the blessing of his knowledge—shall be taken away even that which he hath. His opportunity to be all that God designed he should be, receiving and imparting the light of heaven, shall be taken away from him.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 45, 1909
24LtMs, Ms 45, 1909, par. 17
Let us remember that every act of injustice dealt out to others must be met again. “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:2.] God calls upon our institutions to learn the lesson of mercy and justice and the love of God. In some of our offices the learning of this lesson has been sadly neglected by some who profess to be doers of the Word.Conflict and Courage
It Works Two Ways, May 28
CC 154.1
With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matthew 7:2.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 60—The Presumption of Saul
PP 625.4
Those who are most ready to excuse or justify themselves in sin are often most severe in judging and condemning others. Many, like Saul, bring upon themselves the displeasure of God, but they reject counsel and despise reproof. Even when convinced that the Lord is not with them, they refuse to see in themselves the cause of their trouble. They cherish a proud, boastful spirit, while they indulge in cruel judgment or severe rebuke of others who are better than they. Well would it be for such self-constituted judges to ponder those words of Christ: “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:2.The Faith I Live By
Forgiven as We Forgive, May 5
FLB 131.1
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matthew 7:2.The Great Controversy
Chapter 1—The Destruction of Jerusalem
GC 29.2
All the predictions given by Christ concerning the destruction of Jerusalem were fulfilled to the letter. The Jews experienced the truth of His words of warning: “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:2.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 1—Destruction of Jerusalem
GC88 30.1
All the predictions given by Christ concerning the destruction of Jerusalem were fulfilled to the letter. The Jews experienced the truth of his words of warning, “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:2.]Matthew 7:2-12
Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
The Power of Love
1TT 210.2
“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” Matthew 7:12. Blessed results would appear as the fruit of such a course. “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Verse 2. Here are strong motives which should constrain us to love one another with a pure heart, fervently. Christ is our example. He went about doing good. He lived to bless others. Love beautified and ennobled all His actions. We are not commanded to do to ourselves what we wish others to do unto us; we are to do unto others what we wish them to do to us under like circumstances. The measure we mete is always measured to us again. Pure love is simple in its operations, and is distinct from any other principle of action. The love of influence and the desire for the esteem of others may produce a well-ordered life and frequently a blameless conversation. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish heart may perform generous actions, acknowledge the present truth, and express humility and affection in an outward manner, yet the motives may be deceptive and impure; the actions that flow from such a heart may be destitute of the savor of life and the fruits of true holiness, being destitute of the principles of pure love. Love should be cherished and cultivated, for its influence is divine.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 11, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 11, 1888, par. 37
Jesus teaches the poor not to rise up against those who are in power, not to resist their oppression, while He pronounces a terrible woe upon those who tyrannize over the poor. “Go to, now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.” [James 5:1.] God enjoins upon the servant to be faithful to his master and to be contented for Christ’s sake, but he assures the master that he also has a Master who will requite him full measure for his deeds. “Whatsoever that ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” [Matthew 7:12.] We do not receive forgiveness because we forgive, but as we forgive. The ground of all forgiveness is that Christ died, that while we were yet sinners He died for us. Repentance and faith are the conditions of our salvation. Lesson after lesson is given the student in Christ’s school that he may learn to trust, not in his own merits, but in the merits of Christ’s righteousness.5LtMs, Ms 11, 1888, par. 78
“With what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:2.] “He shall have judgment without mercy that hath showed no mercy.” [James 2:13.] God grants no pardon to him whose penitence produces no humility and whose faith does not work by love to purify the soul. We need to study the example of Him who was meek and lowly, who, when He was reviled, reviled not again. A vindictive spirit will not be indulged by a true Christian.Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Love is Power
GW92 312.2
“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” [Matthew 7:12, 2.] Blessed results would appear as the fruit of such a course. “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” [Matthew 7:12, 2.] Here are strong motives which should constrain us to love one another with a pure heart, fervently. Christ is our example. He went about doing good. He lived to bless others. Love beautified and ennobled all his actions. We are not commanded to do to ourselves what we wish others to do unto us; we are to do unto others what we wish them to do to us under like circumstances. The measure we mete is always measured to us again. Pure love is simple in its operations, and is distinct from any other principle of action. The love of influence, and the desire for the esteem of others may produce a well-ordered life, and, frequently, a blameless conversation. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish heart may perform generous actions, acknowledge the present truth, and express humility and affection in an outward manner, yet the motives may be deceptive and impure; the actions that flow from such a heart may be destitute of the savor of life and the fruits of true holiness, being destitute of the principles of pure love. Love should be cherished and cultivated; for its influence is divine.—Testimonies for the Church 2:135.Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1
Chapter 23—Love—A Divine, Eternal Principle
1MCP 207.3
The Fruit of Pure Love—“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12). Blessed results would appear as the fruit of such a course. “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” (verse 2). Here are strong motives which should constrain us to love one another with a pure heart, fervently. Christ is our example. He went about doing good. He lived to bless others. Love beautified and ennobled all His actions.Matthew 7:3
Lift Him Up
The Only True Standard of Character, November 17
LHU 335.1
Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye? Matthew 7:3.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye?”—Matthew 7:3.
“Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye?”—Matthew 7:3.
Matthew 7:3-5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 23, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 23, 1903, par. 10
To many these words are applicable: “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:3-5.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 29, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 29, 1903, par. 11
To many these words are applicable: “Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:3-5.]Matthew 7:5
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)
Lt 70, 1894
9LtMs, Lt 70, 1894, par. 15
Christ says, “I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” [Mark 2:17.] Let none dream that these obligations do not belong to this time, for they do rest upon all. “Moreover it is required of stewards that a man be found faithful.” [1 Corinthians 4:2.] Those who are making it manifest that they are not faithful in doing the very work that God has enjoined upon them are working in an exactly opposite direction to Christ. “First cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then thou shalt see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:5.] Be careful yourselves not to become tempters in evil things.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 172, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 172, 1905, par. 10
With what holy jealousy should every one in the work keep guard over his own thoughts and feelings and sanctify himself in the work, that others shall take knowledge of him that he has learned of Jesus. There are guards we need to place upon ourselves individually, to strengthen the things of spiritual interest, that at critical times our words of advice, of encouragement, or of reproof of a brother or a friend shall come not as from an enemy, but as from a friend. Our words and attitude will command the same respect as the example we have given. The consistency of the daily life in its sincerity can alone command respect. “First cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” [Matthew 7:5.]Matthew 7:6
Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Discussions Not to be Sought
GW92 191.2
Angels weep to see the precious truth of heavenly origin cast before swine, to be seized by them and trampled with the mire and dirt. Cast not “your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” [Matthew 7:6.] These are the words of the world’s Redeemer.Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]
MR No. 920—The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Lost Son
11MR 373.2
The Lord has a work for us all to do. And if the truth is not rooted in the heart, if the natural traits of character are not transformed by the Holy Spirit, we can never be co-laborers with Jesus Christ. Self will constantly appear, and the character of Christ will not be manifested in our lives. The Saviour represented the Word of God by a pearl of great price. When He sent His disciples forth, He warned them: Cast not your pearls before swine. (See Matthew 7:6.) They understood His meaning. He had placed in their possession truths of the highest value.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs.”—Matthew 7:6.
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs.”—Matthew 7:6.
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 28, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 28, 1897, par. 47
Well may the heavenly host be filled with amazement as they look upon the human family who <cling to their old rags of self-righteousness and> refuse to be uplifted and enriched with the boundless love expressed in Christ, <as He presents to them the white linen which is the righteousness of His character, and> as they behold how few accept the great gift of life, eternal life. Men cling to the earth with all their powers as if fearful that they shall become inhabitants of heaven. They do everything that will <show they choose Barabbas and> discourage Christ and the Father. Their wicked spirit leads them to do everything contrary to that which the Lord desires them to do. He has given them every facility, every advantage, that they may do the works of God, but it is at an immense sacrifice. The heavenly universe exclaims, “Why cast ye your pearls before swine? Why is this great waste, <my Lord>?” [See Matthew 7:6.] The Lord sees the human agents who belong to Him by creation and by redemption, and if they will fulfil the conditions which they Lord has covenanted with them, they shall have life and immortality in the kingdom of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 80, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 80, 1898, par. 19
The Lord has a work for us all to do. And if the truth in not rooted in the heart, if the natural traits of character are not transformed by the Holy Spirit, we can never be co-laborers with Jesus Christ. Self will constantly appear, and the character of Christ will not be manifested in our lives. The Saviour represented the Word of God by a pearl of great price. When he sent his disciples forth, he warned them: “Cast not your pearls before swine.” [Matthew 7:6.] They understood His meaning. He had placed in their possession truths of the highest value.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 44, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 44, 1898, par. 26
In His sermon on the mount our Lord compared the truth to pearls, and He warned His disciples to beware how they wasted or threw away truths of the highest value upon those who would not appreciate them, but would trample them under their feet. “Give not that which is holy to dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine,” He said. [Matthew 7:6.]Matthew 7:6-14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 154, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 154, 1898, par. 2
Truth is represented as a pearl of great price. On one occasion our Lord warned His disciples to beware how they cast their pearls before those who had not discernment to appreciate their value. They were to be careful how they applied their time and taxed their strength. “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs,” He said, “neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again, and rend you.” [Matthew 7:6.]13LtMs, Ms 154, 1898, par. 6
Those represented in these words have mingled the sacred with the common. They profess to believe the truth; but they cannot carry dishonest practices in the narrow road and through the strait gate. By their actions they show that they have chosen the road in which the world travels. “Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be which find it.” [Matthew 7:13, 14.] “Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are. Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.13LtMs, Ms 154, 1898, par. 8
When men show that the fruit they bear is the fruit of the forbidden tree, beware lest by connecting with them you lose your connection with God. The knowledge gained by a connection with them is misleading and confusing. You cannot be a savor of life unto life to them, for they will not appreciate the Word of God. Beware of men who give evidence that God is not working with them. Because of the fruit they bear, those who are working in accordance with correct principles are dishonored. “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine.” [Matthew 7:6.]Matthew 7:6-15
A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White
Texts of Scripture Referred to on Page 8
ExV 36.7
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:6-12, 15.EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Matthew 7:1
Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Consideration for Those Struggling with Difficulties
GW 493.1
There are those who are premature in their desire to reform things that to them appear faulty. They think that they should be chosen to take the place of those who have made mistakes. They undervalue what these workers have done while others were looking on and criticizing. By their actions they say: “I can do great things. I can carry the work forward successfully.” To those who think they know so well how to avoid mistakes, I am instructed to say, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” [Matthew 7:1.] You might avoid mistakes on some points, but on other things you are liable to make grave blunders, which would be very difficult to remedy, and which would bring confusion into the work. These mistakes might do more harm than those your brethren have made.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7
Chapter 55—Consideration for those Struggling with Difficulties
7T 279.1
There are those who are premature in their desire to reform things that to them appear faulty. They think that they should be chosen to take the place of those who have made mistakes. They undervalue what these workers have done while others were looking on and criticizing. By their actions they say: “I can do great things. I can carry the work forward successfully.” To those who think they know so well how to avoid mistakes, I am instructed to say: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Matthew 7:1. You might avoid mistakes on some points, but on other things you are liable to make grave blunders, which would be very difficult to remedy and which would bring confusion into the work. These mistakes might do more harm than those your brethren have made.Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.”—Matthew 7:1.
“Judge not, that ye be not judged.”—Matthew 7:1.
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)
Lt 13, 1871
2LtMs, Lt 13, 1871, par. 8
Would you destroy the confidence of God’s people in Brother Andrews because an idea enters your mind that he may not be right? What can he do to get right, which would fully satisfy? Your confessions will not do it, for this he has done. Why can you not leave this matter where God has left it? You have accused me repeatedly of having more sympathy for Brethren Waggoner and Andrews than for yourself. I know that is not true. But why have you felt this, because when you have called up the dark past and talked of these men which would have an influence to injure the faith of your brethren in them, you were, I fully believed, hedging up their way from doing the work for souls God designs that they should do. Such a work I dare not unite with you in doing until I know that God does not longer use them in His cause and work. “Judge not that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:1. May God help me in this fearful, painfully fearful, time. I am in distress of mind [as to] why God does not reveal Himself to you. I cannot say, but I fear it is because you do not forget the darkness of the past, but gather darkness, unbelief and infidelity by talking over the disagreeable past. Oh, that you would be entreated to forgive and forget. Oh, that you would heed the words of the apostle, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 86, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 86, 1896, par. 19
God has not set any man on the judgment seat. “Judge not” He said, “that ye be not judged.” [Matthew 7:1.] The grace of humility should be cherished in the heart. It will modify and mold the words that fall from our lips into expressions of Christlike tenderness and care. The Master’s work is not to be neglected; but it must be done in love, declaring the Master’s message in the Master’s spirit.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Lt 29, 1902
17LtMs, Lt 29, 1902, par. 10
“Judge not, that ye be not judged,” were the words spoken to some professing great piety. [Matthew 7:1.] O what trouble some have brought to themselves and the work of God by failing to obey this word. Is it profitable to bring into council meetings words that oppress, words that create strife? Of some it is spoken, “Ye have turned judgment into gall and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock.” [Amos 6:12.] The prophet draws a contrast between human wisdom and the wisdom that comes from above. Human wisdom may appear correct, and yet it may bring in harshness, denunciation, and bitterness, resulting in loss of friendship and the Christian love that believers should cherish for one another. Men are to guard their words most carefully. The judgment their lips may pronounce may be right in their own sight, but not in the sight of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Ms 81, 1907
22LtMs, Ms 81, 1907, par. 6
“You have taken the Testimonies given in reference to our people mingling with the temperance societies to the detriment of their spiritual interest, and by perverting them have used them to oppress and burden souls. By this treatment of the light given, you have brought my work into disrepute. There was not the least necessity for this, and some of you have a work to do to make this matter right. You would make an iron bedstead for others; if too short, they must be stretched; if too long, they must be cut off. ‘Judge not, that ye be not judged.’” [Matthew 7:1.]—Testimonies for the Church 5:355, 356.