EGW's Remedial Ministry: Healing Selfishness Within and Without

Remedial ministry, as understood by Ellen G. White, refers to the work of actively confronting selfishness and its destructive power through benevolent enterprises and missionary work. It is a vital aspect of the gospel's design to guard the human family against this evil.7MR 233.1+1

Here's a more detailed look at what remedial ministry entails and its biblical support:

The Essence of Remedial Ministry 💖

Remedial ministry is rooted in the understanding that selfishness is a profound evil, and the gospel is designed to counteract its terrible and deceptive influence. This counteraction happens through:

• Benevolent Enterprises: Establishing and engaging in efforts of kindness and generosity.7MR 233.1+1

• Missionary Work: Actively reaching out to others to share the truths of the gospel and demonstrate God's love.7MR 233.1+1

The ultimate goal of this work is to save sinners, not in their sin, but from their sin, reflecting Christ's own remedial work.18LtMs, Lt 303, 1903, par. 13

Christ's Ministry of Healing as a Model ✨

Jesus himself left a powerful example of remedial ministry. He was the greatest physician, always touched by human woe, and His heart ever sought to relieve maladies of both soul and body.PC 308.4+1 He gave His ministry of healing to His followers, commissioning them to teach all nations and observe all His commands.19LtMs, Lt 281, 1904, par. 13

Key aspects of this Christ-like ministry include:

• Compassionate Help for the Poor: Christ's example highlights the importance of caring for the poor, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and comforting the sad.MTC 37.3+1 This practical aid touches hearts and prepares them to receive God's word.MTC 128.4

• Healing the Whole Person: While using natural remedies for physical disease, remedial ministry also points patients to Christ, who can relieve the maladies of both soul and body.PH144 18.1 This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual well-being.

• Unselfish Service: True reformers and those engaged in this ministry are characterized by unselfishness, kindness, and courtesy.ChS 242.5 Their lives should reflect the goodness of selfless deeds, becoming the strongest argument for the gospel.LDE 191.4+1

Practical Applications of Remedial Ministry 🛠️

Remedial ministry translates into various practical efforts within the community and beyond:

• Medical Missionary Work: This involves teaching principles of health, treating the sick with natural methods, and pointing them to the Great Physician.13MR 211.3+1 It is crucial to address the causes of disease, such as improper eating and drinking, and to teach strict temperance.Te 246.2+1

• Educational Initiatives: Schools play a vital role in training individuals for practical missionary work, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to help others and share the gospel.1MCP 368.4+2 Such training should include Bible readings, Sabbath school classes, and care for the sick and poor.WM 105.4+2

• Personal Ministry: Every church member is called to engage in personal service for God, which can involve writing letters, distributing literature, offering counsel, and giving Bible readings.3TT 66.3 House-to-house labor is particularly effective in making the preaching of the Word a success.13LtMs, Lt 18, 1898, par. 17

• Spreading Truth Through Literature: The circulation of books containing precious truths, such as Christ's Object Lessons and Ministry of Healing, is a significant part of this work.LLM 268.2+4

Bible Passages Supporting Remedial Ministry 📖

Many Bible passages resonate with the principles of remedial ministry, emphasizing compassion, service, and the transformative power of God's Word:

• ** Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission):** "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." This passage directly supports the call to missionary work and teaching.19LtMs, Lt 281, 1904, par. 13

• ** Isaiah 58:6-12 (True Fasting and Service):** This chapter powerfully outlines what God considers a true fast—to loose the bands of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free, share bread with the hungry, bring the poor into one's house, cover the naked, and not hide oneself from one's own flesh. It promises that those who do these things will have their light break forth, and their health spring forth speedily. (Isaiah 58:0-14) This aligns perfectly with the benevolent and health-focused aspects of remedial ministry.1SM 98.4+1

• ** John 13:34-35 (Love One Another):** "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." This highlights the importance of love and unselfishness in our interactions.10LtMs, Ms 14, 1895, par. 1

• ** Luke 14:21 (Bringing in the Poor and Afflicted):** "So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind." This verse illustrates the outreach to the needy.

• ** Psalm 42:11 (Hope in God, the Health of One's Countenance):** "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." This emphasizes the connection between spiritual well-being and physical health.14LtMs, Ms 110, 1899, par. 4

• ** Proverbs 17:22 (A Merry Heart):** "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." This reinforces the positive effect of a cheerful spirit on health.2MCP 647.3

• ** John 5:39 (Search the Scriptures):** "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." This underpins the importance of Bible study as a foundation for understanding and engaging in God's work.2TT 324.1+1

• ** Matthew 7:21-23 (Doing the Will of the Father):** "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have not we prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity." This passage underscores that true faith is demonstrated through action and obedience to God's will, which is central to remedial ministry. (Matthew 7:0-29)1TT 165.3

• ** Exodus 22:21-24 (Care for the Vulnerable):** "Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless." This provides clear guidance on protecting the poor and vulnerable, a core aspect of benevolent work.18LtMs, Ms 117, 1903, par. 19

In essence, remedial ministry is a comprehensive and practical outpouring of Christ's love, aimed at healing, educating, and restoring humanity both physically and spiritually. It calls for active, unselfish engagement in the lives of others, guided by biblical principles and powered by divine grace.

The selfishness of both the "minister" and the world is addressed and remedied through the principles of remedial ministry. While it's true that engaging in ministry helps the "minister" overcome selfishness, the ultimate purpose of this work is to also bless and save suffering humanity from their own sin and selfishness.MTC 59.1+20.

The Selfishness of the Minister

Serving others, particularly through acts of compassion and evangelism, is a powerful antidote to a person's own selfishness. When individuals dedicate themselves to alleviating human suffering and sharing God's love, they actively work against self-centered tendencies1MCP 212.4+48.

• Overcoming Personal Defects: By focusing on the needs of others, a minister's own character is refined. The desire to bless others, even at personal inconvenience, brings God's blessing and helps to subdue self.T32 91.1. This process fosters a loving and lovable spirit, transforming harshness and pride into gentleness and patience.RH January 26, 1911, par. 14. It challenges individuals to actively combat pride and selfishness within their own hearts.T31 14.1.

• Spiritual Growth: Unselfish service for humanity brings individuals into cooperation with the Lord. This fellowship with God, Christ, and angels creates a heavenly atmosphere that brings health to the body, vigor to the intellect, and joy to the soul.GW 513.1. It leads to a deeper, more earnest fervor for God's work.MM 317.1.

• Christ's Example: Jesus' life was one of unselfish service, and this example is meant to rebuke our own selfishness and heartlessness.3TT 298.3. When believers deny self, they become partakers of the divine nature and are united with Christ.ST April 4, 1895, par. 5.

The Selfishness of the World

Remedial ministry also directly addresses the selfishness prevalent in the world. The gospel, which is the heart of remedial ministry, is designed to counteract the tide of hostility against God's law and to heal the wounds that sin has made in humanity.9MR 82.4+5.

• Transforming Lives: The healing power of Christ's Spirit, working through His servants, is efficacious for both body and soul, bringing spiritual life to those who are suffering from sin.CH 209.2+1. It points to the Saviour, offering hope, courage, faith, pardon, and life to those bitten by sin.PH080 49.2. This grace and love from God are freely offered to all, breaking down any walls of partition and overcoming human selfishness that would try to monopolize these gifts.13LtMs, Lt 33, 1898, par. 19.

• Challenging Worldly Priorities: The light of the gospel from the cross rebukes selfishness and encourages liberality and benevolence.CS 14.3. It calls people to move beyond worldly pursuits and self-gratification, which often lead to misery and death.RH December 7, 1886, par. 4. When people use their talents for God's glory instead of self-glorification, they become more fit for God's kingdom.ST April 4, 1895, par. 5.

• Practical Demonstration: Through acts of kindness and benevolence, God's servants shine as lights in the world, demonstrating the transforming power of Christ's love and faith that works by love.WM 297.1. The unselfish actions of believers serve as evidence to the world that they are not selfish, but consecrated to service.21LtMs, Ms 9, 1906, par. 13.

In essence, remedial ministry fosters unselfishness in the minister, while simultaneously working to free the world from the grip of sin and selfishness, drawing all toward the healing power of God.

Here are some Bible passages that support this understanding:

• ** Matthew 16:26:** "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" This verse highlights the danger of worldly pursuits and selfishness leading to spiritual loss.

• ** Philippians 2:4:** "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." This encourages selflessness and consideration for others, a core principle of ministry.

• ** Luke 10:37:** "And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise." This encourages compassion and service to those in need.

• ** 2 Corinthians 5:14-15:** "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again." This emphasizes living for Christ and others, rather than for oneself, as a result of Christ's sacrifice.

• ** Isaiah 1:6:** "From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment." This verse describes the widespread spiritual sickness of humanity, indicating the need for a "remedy."

• ** Zechariah 13:1:** "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness." This speaks of a divine remedy for sin and impurity.