Those who try to implement a “No Tears” philosophy can only do so by denying the brokenness of the world. If we are honest, we have to recognize this fact: there are many things about the world that must be responded to with godly tears.
Unselfishness has the ability to take ordinary duties and turn them into acts of joyous love. When we not only “do things” but we do them for someone as a gift, the deeds become extraordinary. For the unselfish, the mundane becomes quite marvelous.
Affection is one of the main keys to effectiveness and emotional health. So if you’ve been holding back, in giving or receiving affection, today would be a great day to get started learning a little more fondness and tenderness. Be affectionate!
Honestly, what do you see in your life: a pattern of courageous involvement and engagement, or a tendency to take the easy way out and remain passive? Are you “intertwined” with life or not? Life’s a great drama, so participate and play your part!
It may seem illogical, but gentleness is a very strong force. It is far stronger than the brute force that many people try to use, which is the point of the Latin proverb: “Power can do by gentleness what violence fails to accomplish.”
Outward appearances and personality techniques are not enough. The tests of life will separate the pretenders from those who possess true virtue. Right now, it may be hard to tell who has real merit and who has only charm, but time will surely tell.
Purity means we distinguish that which has not been corrupted from that which has, and we commit ourselves to staying away from the latter. It means we discipline our thinking with habits of thought that are clean, wholesome, and constructive.
If we’re not growing, we’re giving in to the forces of destruction. Rejuvenation is not something that can be done once and then forgotten. It has to be repeated as often as we find ourselves exhausted. The cup of life has to be refilled every day.
Only a fool will disregard the advice of those who have “been there.” If necessary, faith and courage will see us through uncharted territory, but if the territory has, in fact, been charted, we are unwise if we don’t profit from maps made by others.
