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Jesus’ commandment of love – when misunderstood – has already led many into sin.
When lived out with respect, it protects you from destruction.
A guide to uncompromising holiness.
By Ellen White
God needs people whose hearts and lives are pure. Anything less is unacceptable to Him. Whoever is unwilling to suffer with Jesus will not reign with Him (3T 66; Z3 73). It is hard work to stay on the path of purity and holiness, to strive forward and upward slowly, step by step, through pain (3T 193; Z3 206). If an impure thought is tolerated, or an impure desire is cherished, the heart becomes defiled and loses its integrity (5T 177; Z5 186).
Many are unfit for both mental and physical labor because they gratify their lustful passions (5T 135; Z5 143). We constantly need a fresh supply of Jesus’ grace. Only then will Christian love remain marked by sincerity and purity (5T 103; Z5 112). The more repulsive sin becomes to us, the more exalted and desirable Jesus’ purity and glory will appear (5T 141; Z5 150). Under the influence of the religion of Jesus, the immoral are freed from impurity and made clean (5T 345; Z5 362).
Love Without Intimacies
Jesus was very sociable, yet He had a reserve that did not permit familiarities (Ev 636; Ev 575). Avoid intimacies! Rather, create a bond of Christian interest and love between hearts (3T 193/4; Z3 206/7). The only way to be truly polite without becoming overly emotional or familiar is to absorb the Spirit of Jesus and heed the command: “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44) (CH 341). When we live according to the principles of God’s Word, we have no desire for excessive familiarity (CH 341). Those who are filled with Jesus’ Spirit and walk with God will have no unholy craving for sympathy. They already have a fellowship that fulfills every longing of mind and heart (5T 596; Z5 625).
Caution – Danger of Falling!
False teachings and permissiveness always exert a bewitching influence (5T 142; Z5 150). When young or even married individuals begin to confide their family secrets to you, be alert! If they express a longing for sympathy, know that it is high time to be very cautious (5T 596; Z5 625). Flee from those who even allow their thoughts to drift in this impure direction in speech (5T 146; Z5 155). Holiness of heart would never lead to impure actions (5T 593; Z5 622). When one begins to show affection by favoring or flattering someone, God withdraws His Spirit (5T 594; Z5 623). Satan has destroyed many souls by leading them to place themselves in temptation’s path (4T 616; Z4 669). One hour of carelessness, one yielding to temptation, can set the entire course of your life in the wrong direction (4T 623; Z4 676). A single act does not define our character, but it lowers the threshold (5T 396; Z5 417).
Absolute Uncompromisingness
Do not give even a moment’s space to an indecent or hidden innuendo. Even that alone defiles the heart (5T 147; Z5 155). A firm decision is needed, and the will not to touch, try, or be involved with anything harmful (5T 360; Z5 378). A Christian allows no impure thoughts, not a single frivolous motion, no word that tends toward sensuality, no act that carries even the faintest appearance of evil (MS 4a 1885, Ph137 8).
