How to Say “Plain” Things—I have been enabled to say some very plain things to those who have become confused. I dared not do otherwise than to tell them the truth, because a message was given me for them.—Lt 271, 1903. (2MCP 771.1) MC VC

Learn Christ’s Way of Dealing With Minds—Learn to deal with minds as Christ did. Sharp things must sometimes be spoken, but be sure that the Holy Spirit of God is abiding in your heart before you speak the clear-cut truth; then let it cut its way. You are not to do the cutting.—G.C.D.B. April 13, 1891. (Selected Messages 2:371.) (2MCP 771.2) MC VC

Sick Have Emotional Needs—Sympathy and tact will often prove a greater benefit to the sick than will the most skillful treatment given in a cold, indifferent way. When a physician comes to the sickbed with a listless, careless manner, looks at the afflicted one with little concern, by word or action giving the impression that the case is not one requiring much attention, and then leaves the patient to his own reflections, he has done that patient positive harm. The doubt and discouragement produced by his indifference will often counteract the good effect of the remedies he may prescribe.—The Ministry of Healing, 244 (1905). (2MCP 771.3) MC VC

No Reproach but a Kindly Hand—If you see one whose words or attitude shows that he is separated from God, do not blame him. It is not your work to condemn him, but come close to his side to help him. The parable of the straying sheep needs to be placed as a motto in every dwelling. The Divine Shepherd leaves the ninety and nine, and goes out into the wilderness to seek the one that is lost. (2MCP 771.4) MC VC

There are thickets, quagmires, and dangerous crevices in the rocks, and the Shepherd knows that if the sheep is in any of these places a friendly hand must lift it out. When He discovers the lost one, He does not heap reproaches upon it. He is only glad that He has found it alive. “When He hears its bleating afar off, He encounters any and every difficulty that He may save His sheep that was lost. With firm yet gentle hand He parts the briers, or takes it from the mire; He tenderly lifts it to His shoulders and bears it back to the fold. The pure, sinless Redeemer bears the sinful, the unclean.”—MS 17, 1895. (2MCP 771.5) MC VC