490
Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
this class was perverted and dwarfed in childhood, and unless rays of
divine light can melt away their coldness and hardhearted selfishness,
the happiness of such is buried forever. If we would have tender
hearts, such as Jesus had when He was upon the earth, and sanctified
sympathy, such as the angels have for sinful mortals, we must cultivate
the sympathies of childhood, which are simplicity itself. Then we
shall be refined, elevated, and directed by heavenly principles.
A cultivated intellect is a great treasure; but without the softening
influence of sympathy and sanctified love, it is not of the highest value.
We should have words and deeds of tender consideration for others. We
can manifest a thousand little attentions in friendly words and pleasant
looks, which will be reflected upon us again. Thoughtless Christians
manifest by their neglect of others that they are not in union with
Christ. It is impossible to be in union with Christ and yet be unkind to
others and forgetful of their rights. Many long intensely for friendly
sympathy. God has given each of us an identity of our own, which
cannot be merged in that of another; but our individual characteristics
will be much less prominent if we are indeed Christ’s and His will is
ours. Our lives should be consecrated to the good and happiness of
others, as was our Saviour’s. We should be self-forgetful, ever looking
out for opportunities, even in little things, to show gratitude for the
[540]
favors we have received of others, and watching for opportunities to
cheer others and lighten and relieve their sorrows and burdens by acts
of tender kindness and little deeds of love. These thoughtful courtesies,
that, commencing in our families, extend outside the family circle,
help make up the sum of life’s happiness; and the neglect of these little
things makes up the sum of life’s bitterness and sorrow.
It is the work that we do or do not do that tells with tremendous
power upon our lives and destinies. God requires us to improve every
opportunity for usefulness that is offered us. Neglect to do this is
perilous to our spiritual growth. We have a great work to do. Let us
not pass in idleness the precious hours that God has given us in which
to perfect characters for heaven. We must not be inactive or slothful
in this work, for we have not a moment to spend without a purpose or
object. God will help us to overcome our wrongs if we will pray and
believe on Him. We can be more than conquerors through Him who
has loved us. When the short life in this world is ended, and we see as
we are seen and know as we are known, how short in duration and how