Chapter 27—Cheerfulness and Thankfulness
Let a Sweet Influence Pervade the Home—Above all things else,
let parents surround their children with an atmosphere of cheerfulness,
courtesy, and love. A home where love dwells, and where it is ex-
pressed in looks, in words, and in acts, is a place where angels delight
to manifest their presence.
Parents, let the sunshine of love, cheerfulness, and happy con-
tentment enter your own hearts; and let its sweet, cheering influence
pervade your home. Manifest a kindly, forbearing spirit; and encourage
the same in your children, cultivating all the graces that will brighten
the home life. The atmosphere thus created will be to the children
what air and sunshine are to the vegetable world, promoting health
and vigor of mind and body
Let the Countenance Be Cheerful—There is nothing gloomy in
the religion of Jesus. While all lightness, trifling, and jesting, which the
apostle says are not convenient, are to be studiously avoided, there is a
sweet rest and peace in Jesus that will be expressed in the countenance.
Christians will not be mournful, depressed, and despairing. They will
be sober-minded, yet they will show to the world a cheerfulness which
only grace can impart
Children are attracted by a cheerful, sunny demeanor. Show them
kindness and courtesy, and they will manifest the same spirit toward
you and toward one another
Educate the soul to cheerfulness, to thankfulness, and to the ex-
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pression of gratitude to God for the great love wherewith He hath loved
us.... Christian cheerfulness is the very beauty of holiness
Speak Pleasant, Cheery Words—Pleasant, cheery words cost no
more than unpleasant, moody words. Do you dislike to have harsh
words spoken to you? Remember that when you speak such words,
1
The Ministry of Healing, 386, 387
.
2
The Review and Herald, April 15, 1884
.
3
Education, 240
.
4
The Youth’s Instructor, July 11, 1895
.
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