Courtesy to Our Critics

“We should not allow our feelings to be easily wounded. We are to live, not to guard our feelings or our reputation, but to save souls. … If impatient words are spoken to you, never reply in the same spirit. [Quoted Proverbs 15:1]. And there is wonderful power in silence. … Under a storm of stinging, faultfinding words, keep the mind stayed upon the word of God. If you are ill-treated or wrongfully accused, instead of returning an angry answer, repeat to yourself the precious promises: [Quoted Romans 12:21; Psalm 37:5, 6; Luke 12:2; Psalm 66:12]….Christ was courteous, even to His persecutors; and His true followers will manifest the same spirit.”—E.G. White (Ministry of Healing, pp. 485-489).