It’s really not hard to make somebody happy — read this quote by Frederick Wm. Faber (1814-1863), a noted British theologian and hymnist. Then go out and spread some happiness today!
“The worst kinds of unhappiness, as well as the greatest amount of it, come from our conduct to each other. If our conduct, therefore, were under the control of kindness, it would be nearly the opposite of what it is, and so the state of the world would be almost reversed. We are for the most part unhappy, because the world is an unkind world. But the world is only unkind for lack of kindness in us units who compose it.”
Did you know that you can change the world? A kind word or deed can make someone’s day. It can create a positive attitude in the one who gives, as well as the one who receives. It can be as simple as a smile, a heart-felt compliment, or even just “thank you.” It requires no special gift or training. Anyone can be kind. Find a way to be kind today. The life you change may be your own!
“It would seem as if very few of us give this power of kind words the consideration which is due to it. So great a power, such a facility in the exercise of it, such a frequency of opportunities for the application of it, and yet the world still is what it is, and we still are what we are. It seems incredible. Take life all through, its adversity as well as its prosperity, its sickness as well as its health, its loss of its rights as well as its enjoyment of them, and we shall find that no natural sweetness of temper, much less any acquired philosophical equanimity, is equal to the support of a uniform habit of kindness. Nevertheless, with the help of grace, the habit of saying kind words is quickly formed, and when once formed, it is not speedily lost. Sharpness, bitterness, sarcasm, acute observation, divination of motives, — all these things disappear when a man is earnestly conforming himself to the image of Christ Jesus. The very attempt to be like our dearest Lord is already a well-spring of sweetness within us, flowing with an easy grace over all who come within our reach.”Frederick Wm. Faber
“Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25
“We have cause to suspect our religion if it does not make us gentle, and forbearing, and forgiving; if the love of our Lord does not so flood our hearts as to cleanse them of all bitterness, and spite, and wrath. If a man is nursing anger, if he is letting his mind become a nest of foul passions, malice, and hatred and evil wishing, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
Hugo Black
“The worst kinds of unhappiness, as well as the greatest amount of it,come from our conduct to each other. If our conduct,therefore, were under the control of kindness, it would be nearly the opposite of what it is, and so the state of the world would be almost reversed. We are for the most part unhappy because the world is an unkind world. But the world is only unkind for the lack of kindness in us units who compose it.”d
Frederick Wm. Faber
““Let nothing disturb thee; Let nothing dismay thee; All things pass; God never changes. Patience attains all that it strives for. He who has God Finds he lacks nothing: God alone suffices.”
St. Teresa of Avila
For more on the fruit of the Spirit see these posts:
Lutheran Ladies Connection 