Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

Chapter 49
The Christian Attitude Toward Want and Suffering
Today God gives men opportunity to show whether they love their
neighbor. He who truly loves God and his fellow man is he who shows
mercy to the destitute, the suffering, the wounded, those who are ready to
die. God calls upon every man to take up his neglected work, to seek to
restore the moral image of the Creator in humanity.
Work for others will require effort, self-denial, and self-sacrifice. But
what is the little sacrifice that we can make in comparison with the sacrifice
which God has made for us in the gift of His only-begotten Son?
The conditions of inheriting eternal life are plainly stated by our Saviour
in the most simple manner. The man who was wounded and robbed, Luke
10:30-37 represents those who are subjects of our interest, sympathy, and
charity. If we neglect the cases of the needy and the unfortunate that are
brought under our notice, no matter who they may be, we have no assurance
of eternal life; for we do not answer the claims that God has upon us. We are
not compassionate and pitiful to humanity, because they may not be kith or
kin to us. You have been found transgressors of the second great
commandment, upon which the last six commandments depend. Whosoever
offendeth in one point, is guilty of all. Those who do not open their hearts to
the wants and sufferings of humanity will not open their hearts to the claims
of God as stated in the first four precepts of the Decalogue. Idols claim the
heart and affections, and God is not honored and does not reign supreme.
It should be written upon the conscience as with a pen of iron upon a
rock, that he who disregards mercy, compassion, and righteousness, he who
neglects the poor, who ignores the needs of suffering humanity, who is not
372