Bible Studies in the Gospel of Matthew

Bible Studies in the Gospel of Matthew
XXXI

Matthew 7:6, 10:16-17, 23:37; 2 Timothy 4:14-15; Song of Solomon 2:7; Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 23:9: Concerning the ministry, the main law is to work according to the receptivity of each individual soul. The gospel is for the poor, hungry, and thirsty, those who mourn and are weighed down. We must not awaken love until she desires to be awakened.

Dogs and swine represent those who are satisfied, rich, and wise in their own eyes. When we speak with people, whether they are converted or unconverted, we must—after having exchanged a few words with them—decide inwardly whether they are “dogs” or whether they are receptive.

If they do not appreciate holy things, if they have no longing for them, then we should keep the holy things to ourselves. We should be on guard against evil-minded people and preferably not converse with them.

Souls are to be viewed as “dogs” or “swine” either in their entirety or only partly; partly, when we desire to urge a soul to receive more holiness than he currently longs for. It is a very painful situation to be in when our heart is full of divine glory that would make souls happy if they only partook of it, and we sincerely love souls so that we would like to impart some glory to them, and yet they do not value it or desire it.

It is unspeakably painful when it concerns our own children. However, the only right thing to do in such a situation is to say as little as possible, be longsuffering, wait, and suffer. This also applies to all other cases.

Note that this is an unconditional law, an unconditional command: “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine . . . .” It is very difficult to keep this commandment in its entirety, but all difficulties can be overcome. Where the difficulty is great, grace is correspondingly great. When you love souls and have the help they need, refraining from extending a helping hand to them is an intense suffering

If a person is vain, pushy, and argumentative, and consequently loves to have the last word, it also takes great strength to overcome oneself and be quiet. However, blessed is he who does it.

This is also a commandment that is part of the laws of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, and those who love Him keep His commandments. May our love for Him become far greater so that we can also keep this commandment. There are probably only very few people who have kept it.

We are inclined to be “buddies” with the friends and therefore serve them all kinds of things— everything that we know, without regard to the laws of poverty, hunger, and mourning—and in this way, holy things are at least in part given to “dogs” and pearls are cast before “swine” without us being aware of it.