You have brought upon yourself many grievances that could have been avoided had you possessed a meek and quiet spirit. You provoke contention; for when your will is crossed, your spirit rises for conflict. Your disposition to rule is a constant source of trouble to yourself. Your nature has become jealous and distrustful. You are overbearing, and stir up strife by faultfinding and hasty condemnation. You have so long cultivated a spirit of retaliation that you continually need the grace of God to soften and subdue your nature. The dear Saviour has said: “Bless them that curse you,” “and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” {4T 134.2}

Du har bragt mange klager over dig selv, som kunne undgås hvis du havde en ydmyg og stille ånd. Du opægger til strid; for når din vilje krydses, opildnes du til konflikt. Din tilbøjelighed at herske er en konstant kilde til besvær for dig selv. Du er blevet skinsyg og mistroisk af natur. Du er hoven og opirrer strid ved at kritisere og fordømme hurtigt. Du har opelsket en hævngerrighed så længe at du hele tiden har brug for Guds nåde til at blødgøre og undertrykke din natur. Den dyrebare Frelser har sagt: »Velsign dem der forbander jer,« »og bed for dem, der håner og forfølger jer.«