'We owe him love

We owe him love

Many people act as if they regarded it as none of their business, when they see their fellow-men suffering and in need. But the teaching of Christ shows that it is our business, that we are under obligation to love and serve all men. We are debtor to every man; we may not owe him money — but we owe him love , and love means whatever help he needs — bread for his hunger, or sympathy and cheer in his trial and struggle.

"Owe no one anything except to love one another" Romans 13:8

It is sometimes necessary to tell our friends of their faults — but we should go about it in love, with prayer, and with wise and gentle tact. A gentle, loving way is better than blurting out the criticism, as some brusque people do, abruptly, calling it frankness , saying that they always honestly say what they believe. It may be honest and frank enough — but it is not the Christlike way.

"What did you preach about yesterday?" asked an old clergyman of a young minister, one Monday. "On the judgment," replied the young man. "Did you do it tenderly?" asked the old pastor.

We should never speak to others of their sins and faults unless we can do it tenderly . We need patience , too, and sometimes we must wait a long time for the opportunity to do our duty in this regard, to speak the right word. But the right occasion will come, if we wait for it. Harm is done ofttimes by speaking too soon.

"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." Galatians 6:1

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