"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17
The importance of social relationships
"It is through the social relations that Christianity comes in contact with the world. Every man or woman who has tasted of the love of Christ and has received into the heart the divine illumination is required of God to shed light on the dark pathway of those who are unacquainted with the better way.… Social power, sanctified by the Spirit of Christ, must be improved to win souls to the Saviour."
Testimonies for the Church 4:555 (1881).
God's character our example
"He is most fit to carry responsibilities and command, who most resembles God in character—in goodness, mercy, and staunchloyaltyto the cause and work of God. Everyone needs now to work forbrother, forfriend, for neighbor, and for stranger, drawing the mind away from the discouragements that will crowd in. The truth is to be magnified. We must not be surprised at strange movements. No one must seek exaltation. The more humbly we move and work, the more will we be exalted with God. The return of Jesus Christ to our world will not be long delayed. This is to be the keynote of every message."
11LtMs, Lt 179, 1896, par. 30
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