MH page 106

We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and to inspire hope in the hopeless.

Believers have a duty to provide material aid, comfort, and hope to the suffering. This paragraph outlines practical works of mercy and emotional support, which are classified under ministry.

The love of Christ, manifested in unselfish ministry, will be more effective in reforming the evildoer than will the sword or the court of justice. These are necessary to strike terror to the lawbreaker, but the loving missionary can do more than this. Often the heart that hardens under reproof will melt under the love of Christ.

Unselfish love and ministry are more effective in reforming wrongdoers than punitive measures alone. This paragraph compares the reformative power of love versus punitive justice, containing a social/behavioral comparison suitable for empirical inquiry regarding rehabilitation.

The missionary can not only relieve physical maladies, but he can lead the sinner to the Great Physician, who can cleanse the soul from the leprosy of sin. Through His servants, God designs that the sick, the unfortunate, and those possessed of evil spirits shall hear His voice. Through His human agencies He desires to be a comforter such as the world knows not.

Medical ministry can address physical ailments while pointing individuals to Christ for spiritual healing. The text blends physical relief with theological healing ('cleanse the soul from the leprosy of sin'); the spiritual aspect is non-empirical.

The Saviour has given His precious life in order to establish a church capable of ministering to the suffering, the sorrowful, and the tempted. A company of believers may be poor, uneducated, and unknown; yet in Christ they may do a work in the home, in the community, and even in “the regions beyond,” whose results shall be as far-reaching as eternity.

Even humble or impoverished believers can accomplish far-reaching good through Christ. This is a statement of spiritual encouragement and potential regarding faith communities, lacking empirical medical assertions.

To Christ's followers today, no less than to the first disciples, these words are spoken:

Christ's foundational commission to His disciples applies to modern believers. This paragraph serves as an introductory bridge to a direct biblical quotation.

“All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Matthew 28:18, 19 ; Mark 16:15 .

The scriptural command to preach and teach all nations carries divine authority. This is a direct scriptural quotation from the Bible, representing religious teaching rather than an empirical claim.