Chapter 27—Effect of Words on Oneself
Careless and Irreverent Criticism—The habit of careless and
irreverent criticism reacts upon the character, in fostering irreverence
and unbelief. Many a man indulging this habit has gone on uncon-
scious of danger, until he was ready to criticize and reject the work of
the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they
shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words
thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”—
The Desire of Ages, 323
.
Mental and Physical Health—Every kind and sympathizing
word spoken to the sorrowful, every act to relieve the oppressed,
and every gift to supply the necessities of our fellow beings, given
or done with an eye to God’s glory, will result in blessings to the
giver. Those who are thus working are obeying a law of heaven and
will receive the approval of God. The pleasure of doing good to oth-
ers imparts a glow to the feelings which flashes through the nerves,
quickens the circulation of the blood, and induces mental and physical
health.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:56
.
[137]
Cheerfulness and Peace—While cheerfulness and a calm resig-
nation and peace will make others happy and healthy, it will be of the
greatest benefit to oneself. Sadness and talking of disagreeable things
is encouraging the disagreeable scenes, bringing back upon oneself
the disagreeable effect. God wants us to forget all these—not look
down but up, up!—
Mind, Character, and Personality 2:662
.
Help for Others, Help to Oneself—Many are in obscurity. They
have lost their bearings. They know not what course to pursue. Let the
perplexed ones search out others who are in perplexity, and speak to
them words of hope and encouragement. When they begin to do this
work, the light of heaven will reveal to them the path that they should
follow. By their words of consolation to the afflicted they themselves
will be consoled. By helping others, they themselves will be helped
out of their difficulties. Joy takes the place of sadness and gloom.
The heart, filled with the Spirit of God, glows with warmth toward
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