Rejoicing in the Lord
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your influence may not be able to escape from the unbelief you have
suggested. How important that we speak only those things that will
give spiritual strength and life!
Angels are listening to hear what kind of report you are bearing
to the world about your heavenly Master. Let your conversation be of
Him who liveth to make intercession for you before the Father. When
you take the hand of a friend, let praise to God be on your lips and in
your heart. This will attract his thoughts to Jesus.
All have trials; griefs hard to bear, temptations hard to resist. Do
not tell your troubles to your fellow mortals, but carry everything to
God in prayer. Make it a rule never to utter one word of doubt or
discouragement. You can do much to brighten the life of others and
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strengthen their efforts, by words of hope and holy cheer.
There is many a brave soul sorely pressed by temptation, almost
ready to faint in the conflict with self and with the powers of evil. Do
not discourage such a one in his hard struggle. Cheer him with brave,
hopeful words that shall urge him on his way. Thus the light of Christ
may shine from you. “None of us liveth to himself.”
Romans 14:7
. By
our unconscious influence others may be encouraged and strengthened,
or they may be discouraged, and repelled from Christ and the truth.
There are many who have an erroneous idea of the life and charac-
ter of Christ. They think that He was devoid of warmth and sunniness,
that He was stern, severe, and joyless. In many cases the whole reli-
gious experience is colored by these gloomy views.
It is often said that Jesus wept, but that He was never known to
smile. Our Saviour was indeed a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with
grief, for He opened His heart to all the woes of men. But though His
life was self-denying and shadowed with pain and care, His spirit was
not crushed. His countenance did not wear an expression of grief and
repining, but ever one of peaceful serenity. His heart was a wellspring
of life, and wherever He went He carried rest and peace, joy and
gladness.
Our Saviour was deeply serious and intensely in earnest, but never
gloomy or morose. The life of those who imitate Him will be full of
earnest purpose; they will have a deep sense of personal responsibility.
Levity will be repressed; there will be no boisterous merriment, no
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rude jesting; but the religion of Jesus gives peace like a river. It does
not quench the light of joy; it does not restrain cheerfulness nor cloud