MH page 493

Not all who profess to be workers for Christ are true disciples. Among those who bear His name, and who are even numbered with His workers, are some who do not represent Him in character. They are not governed by His principles. These persons are often a cause of perplexity and discouragement to their fellow workers who are young in Christian experience; but none need be misled. Christ has given us a perfect example. He bids us follow Him.

Not all professed believers truly represent Christ, but individuals should follow Christ's perfect example rather than being misled by others. Addresses religious fidelity and spiritual discernment.

Till the end of time there will be tares among the wheat. When the servants of the householder, in their zeal for his honor, asked permission to root out the tares, the master said: “Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest.” Matthew 13:29, 30 .

Good and flawed individuals will coexist within the community until the final judgment, as illustrated by the parable of the tares. Contains a direct biblical quotation and parabolic narrative.

In His mercy and long-suffering, God bears patiently with the perverse and even the falsehearted. Among Christ's chosen apostles was Judas the traitor. Should it then be a cause of surprise or discouragement that there are falsehearted ones among His workers today? If He who reads the heart could bear with him who He knew was to be His betrayer, with what patience should we bear with those at fault.

God exercises patience with flawed individuals, and believers should similarly practice patience with those who err. Focuses on divine attributes and expected Christian forbearance.

And not all, even of those who appear most faulty, are like Judas. Peter, impetuous, hasty, and self- confident, often appeared to far greater disadvantage than Judas did. He was oftener reproved by the Saviour. But what a life of service and sacrifice was his! What a testimony does it bear to the power of God's grace! So far as we are capable, we are to be to others what Jesus was to His disciples when He walked and talked with them on the earth.

Historically flawed individuals like Peter can change dramatically through divine grace, serving as examples for others. Relates historical and scriptural narrative regarding biblical figures.

Regard yourselves as missionaries, first of all, among your fellow workers. Often it requires a vast amount of time and labor to win one soul to Christ. And when a soul turns from sin to righteousness, there is joy in the presence of the angels. Think you that the ministering spirits who watch over these souls are pleased to see how indifferently they are treated by some who claim to be Christians? Should Jesus deal with us as we too often deal with one another, who of us could be saved?

Treat fellow workers and new believers with care and spiritual devotion rather than indifference. Instructs on pastoral attitude, relational conduct, and mutual support among workers.