The spirit of the true shepherd is one of self-forgetfulness. He loses sight of self in order that he may work the works of God. By the preaching of the word and by personal ministry in the homes of the people, he learns their needs, their sorrows, their trials; and, co-operating with the great Burden Bearer, he shares their afflictions, comforts their distresses, relieves their soul hunger, and wins their hearts to God. In this work the minister is attended by the angels of heaven, and he himself is instructed and enlightened in the truth that maketh wise unto salvation.

Den sande hyrde har et selvforglemmende sind. Han glemmer sig selv for at kunne udrette Guds gerning. Ved at prædike ordet og ved personlig tjeneste i folks hjem lærer han deres trang, deres sorger og deres prøvelser at kende. Når han således samarbejder med den store bærer af byrder, deler han deres sorger med dem, trøster dem i deres lidelser, mætter deres sjæles hunger og vinder deres hjerter for Gud. I dette arbejde bistås prædikanten af Himmelens engle og han modtager selv belæring og oplysning om den sandhed, der gør viis til frelse.