Speak the Truth to My Neighbor, August 17

Being a Good Neighbor

These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates. Zechariah 8:16.ML 233.1

To all who are working with Christ I would say, Wherever you can gain access to the people by the fireside, improve your opportunity. Take your Bible, and open before them its great truths. Your success will not depend so much upon your knowledge and accomplishments as upon your ability to find your way to the heart. By being social and coming close to the people, you may turn the current of their thoughts more readily than by the most able discourse.^{43Gospel Workers, 193.}ML 233.2

Take along the publications and ask them to read. When they see that you are sincere they will not despise any of your efforts. There is a way to reach the hardest hearts. Approach in the simplicity and sincerity and humility that will help us to reach the souls of them for whom Christ died.^{44Welfare Ministry, 91.}ML 233.3

Allow no opportunity to pass unimproved. Visit those who live near you, and by sympathy and kindness try to reach their hearts. Visit the sick and suffering and show a kindly interest in them. If possible, do something to make them more comfortable. Through this means you can reach their hearts and speak a word for Christ. Eternity alone will reveal how far reaching such a line of labor can be.^{45The Review and Herald, November 21, 1907.}ML 233.4

Those who do not take up this work, those who act with the indifference that some have manifested, will soon lose their first love and will begin to censure, criticize, and condemn their own brethren.^{46The Review and Herald, May 13, 1902.}ML 233.5

Those who go forth in the spirit of the Master, seeking to reach souls with the truth, will ... become more and more vitalized as they give themselves to the service of God. It is a joyous work to open the Scriptures to others.^{47Testimonies for the Church 9:118.}ML 233.6