Wesley gives advice on dealing with the public

JOHN WESLEY MOMENTS
DAVE HANSON

In his sermon, “Visiting the Sick,” John Wesley gives some good advice on dealing with the public.

He says that when preparing to go visit the sick we should first say our prayers and ask God to cleanse us from any pride and give us a spirit of meekness and gentleness, of patience and longsuffering, that we may never be angry or discouraged at whatever treatment, rough or smooth, kind or unkind, we may meet with. He reminds us not to be surprised at their ignorance, dullness, and stupidity. Some will be peevish or stubborn. Some will show no improvement after all the pains that you have taken to help them.

He reminds us that when visiting the sick or dealing with the public to always remember that our record is with the Lord, and our reward with the Most High.

The Rev. Dave Hanson is a retired pastor and John Wesley scholar.