Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White taught that in times of spiritual crisis, silence is not an option because "our silence be interpreted to mean consent" (LLM 48.1). She believed that when every effort to save souls seems in vain, it is necessary to cry aloud and spare notand be "prepared to call sin, sin, and righteousness, righteousness" (LLM 48.1). She further explained that when people are being misled by false accusations or when idolatry in various forms is at home in our midst,God charges His messengers to "Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression" (PH043 13.1). She noted that a "careless indifference" on the part of leaders often creates the "necessity for the alarm to be sounded and the cutting rebukes to be given" (PH043 13.1). To remain silent in the face of such departures would be doing an injustice to those who are being misled (3SM 348). Regarding her own responsibility to speak out against wrong courses of action, she stated, "If I do not speak, I am accountable for withholding the light" (BCL 44.1). She felt she could not hold my peacebecause of her deep "care for your soul" (PH096 65.2). She emphasized that when God's appointed workers are presented in a "ridiculous light," it is an "offence to God" that must be met rather than left in uncertainty (3SM 348). However, she also provided important counsel on the manner in which these voices should be raised. She cautioned that Sanctified lips will speak words that reform, but do not exasperateand that the truth should always be presented in the meekness and love of Christ" (AUCR December 30, 1907, par. 6). While sin must be addressed, she advised that we should Speak the truth in tones and words of loveand avoid following personal impulses to denounce others (20MR 127.2). For practical application, this means that while there is a duty to stand for principle and address open sin, the primary motivation must always be the restoration of the soul and the honor of God, rather than a spirit of bitterness or personal controversy. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the spirit in which rebukes and corrections should be given? • How did she describe the danger of "careless indifference" among church members? • What is the relationship between speaking the truth and showing love to those who are in error?