What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "How can we be both gentle and courageous in dealing with false teachers, and why must we be both?"
Answer
In dealing with people in error and opposition, believers are called to uphold God's truth steadfastly, faithfully, and without compromise, while meeting those affected with the gentleness, love, and patience of Christ. We must be bold and decisive in presenting the unchanging Word of God unadulterated and standing firm against objections, yet we must never do so with harshness or bitterness. This combination of firmness and meekness is necessary so that we give the opponent no cause for criticism and that God's Word itself can convict and save hearts.
Advancing God's work with firmness and in the meekness of Christ
»Whoever wants to enlighten a deceived people must draw near to them and work for them in love. He must become a center of holy influence. In defending the truth, even the most bitter opponents should be treated with respect and reverence. [...] Advance God's work firmly and strongly, but in the meekness of Christ and as quietly as possible. Let no human boasting become loud. Show no sign of self‑sufficiency. Let it be recognized that God has called us to handle holy goods; preach the Word, be diligent, earnest, and fervent.«
Revealing the meekness of Christ and letting the truth work
»What course should the advocates of truth take? They have the unchanging, eternal Word of God and should reveal the fact that they possess the truth as it is in Jesus. Their words must not be harsh and sharp. In their presentation of truth they must reveal the love, meekness, and gentleness of Christ. Let truth take the cutting; God's Word is like a sharp, double‑edged sword and will make its way to the heart. Those who know they have the truth should not give Satan the slightest opportunity to misrepresent their spirit by using harsh and strict expressions.«
Refuting objections with patience, calm, and the power of truth
»God's servants who carry the message must be prepared to eliminate these objections with calm and meekness through the light of truth. Frequently opponents speak to God's servants in a provocative manner to draw something similar out of them, so that they can present it as large as possible and explain it to others, the law‑keepers having a bitter and hard spirit, as reported. I saw that we must be prepared for objections and give them, with patience, discernment, and meekness, the weight they deserve [...] and then bring forth the light and power of truth so that it outweighs and eliminates the errors.«
Meeting those in error with Christ's love and maintaining a straight course
»All who are in error should be treated with the meekness of Christ. If those for whom you work do not immediately grasp the truth, do not rebuke, criticize, or condemn. Remember that you are to represent Christ in His meekness, gentleness, and love. [...] But even if you encounter the bitterest resistance, do not condemn your opponents. They may think, like Paul, that they are doing a service to God, and toward such we must show patience, meekness, and long‑suffering. [...] Set a straight course.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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