August 5, 2026
— William Edward Soothill · Source: A Mission in China (Edinburgh and London: Oliphant, Anderson & Ferrier, 1907), ch. "Pioneering," pp. 14-15
1 Corinthians 9:22-23 I have become weak to the weak, so that I may win them. I have become all of myself to all people, so that I may save some by any means. All that I do is for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its benefits.
Paul, for the sake of the gospel, "behaved to all kinds of people," and William Soothill, out of love, went to a foreign land, learned the Wenzhou dialect and translated the New Testament into it. Faith is never a condescending doctrine, but a life of humility and compassion. We often use our own standards to judge others, forgetting that true love requires lowering ourselves and entering the other person's world. Only by willingly humbling ourselves and listening with empathy and warmth can we break down the walls in our hearts and share the sweetness of the gospel with those around us in love.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for humbling yourself to come among us in Your incarnation of love. Grant me a humble and compassionate heart, stripping away my pride and prejudice. Teach me to learn from Paul and William Soothill, to willingly set aside my ego and enter into the needs and weaknesses of others for the sake of the Gospel and love. May my words and actions bring true comfort, allowing me to share in suffering and Your boundless grace with those around me. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!