"And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Eph. 4:32. Let this law
of kindness get into your life as its very essence. It is not enough to
affect kindness; we must be kind. A tender heart is the groundwork of
kindness. Out of such a soil the beautiful flowers of gentleness,
kindness, and tenderness grow. These perfume the life and make it cheering
to others. Can you be more kind in your daily life? Is your heart so
tender that it feels the suffering of the child or the pain of the dumb
animal to the extent that you find pleasure in giving relief even at the
expense of self-ease?
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Col.
3:2. Guard your heart. "Keep it with all diligence." See that all of its
affections are on things above. Some of the earthly things that God has
given into your keeping will want some of your affection. The beautiful
home, the farm, the bank-account, the domestic animals, and even some
things almost worthless will want a little of your heart's love. Your own
talents and personal appearance may desire some of your affection, just
enough to set you approving them for your own sake. Practise daily the
above text.
"In everything give thanks." 1 Thess. 5:18. "Giving thanks always for all
things." Eph. 5:20. Thankfulness is a grace easily improved and developed
if cultivated. Likewise, it will very soon degenerate if neglected. In
order to keep a deep sense of thankfulness in our hearts, we must be
mindful of the gracious dealings of God. It is well to take time as often
as circumstances will permit to meditate in some quiet place upon the
goodness of God to you. We should have such thankful hearts that ofttimes
tears of gratitude will flow at the remembrance af God's goodness.
"Rejoice evermore." 1 Thess. 5:16. "As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing." 2
Cor. 6:10. "Rejoice alway: and again I say, Rejoice." Phil. 4:4. "Count it
all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." Jas. 1:2. This is the power
of the Christian life. We can always rejoice. We can be contented and
happy, whatever our circumstances in life. God's grace will sustain us.
Every day can be, and should be, a day of rejoicing. God is pleased to
have us happy, but he would have our rejoicing to be in him and not in his
blessings. To rejoice in the midst of trial is health to the soul.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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