7. How does Jesus describe those who criticise and judge their fellow men and women? Matthew 7:5.
NOTE: ‘When one is very forward to criticise and try to correct others, it is too often the case that he himself has faults, of which he may be all unconscious, that are far more serious than those that he condemns, and thus even when he tries to correct others, his efforts may do far more harm than good. How much more when he sits in judgement to criticise and condemn! If men could see themselves as God sees them, they would have such a sense of their own weakness and defects, and would see such a work to be done for themselves, they would have such a sense of their own need of the long-suffering mercy of God, and the forbearance of their fellowmen, that they would have no disposition to judge and condemn others.’ Signs of the Times, March 14, 1892.
8. If we would wish to be Christlike, what should we remember about our Saviour? John 3:17.
NOTE: ‘Says the apostle, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1. Here is a call to the spiritual, to those whose hearts possess the “wisdom that is from above,” that is first pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” Let all our efforts to help the erring be dictated by this heavenly wisdom, and some would quickly turn their attention to the beam in their own eye, and feel the force of the injunction, “Physician, heal thyself.”’ A. S. Hutchens: Review & Herald, September 18, 1860.
‘It is always humiliating to have one’s errors pointed out. None should make the experience more bitter by needless censure. No one was ever reclaimed by reproach; but many have thus been repelled and have been led to steel their hearts against conviction. A tender spirit, a gentle, winning deportment, may save the erring and hide a multitude of sins. The apostle Paul found it necessary to reprove wrong, but how carefully he sought to show that he was a friend to the erring! How anxiously he explained to them the reason of his action! He made them understand that it cost him pain to give them pain. He showed his confidence and sympathy toward the ones who were struggling to overcome.’ Ministry of Healing, page 166.