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Deeds of Kindness

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 8, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 19.

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Deeds of Kindness

By Essie Bristow

ESSIE BRISTOW
LITTLE deeds of kindness bring their own reward. What is the use of brooding over your troubles? A long face will never help them. Smile a little. There is more good medicine in a smile than most people dream. Little acts of kindness that cheer and comfort others will leave their happy impression upon the doer. There are times when a smile, a hand-shake, or a pleasant word will do more good than a sermon.
Children are especially susceptible to smiles, kind words, and helpful deeds. How well I remember little kindnesses shown me in childhood! The impressions they made upon my heart and character still remain.
Be ready to grasp the opportunities within your reach to gladden sorrowful hearts, and make the world brighter because of your cheery smile and word of comfort. This is true service for the Master.
Do not fail to greet acquaintances with a kindly word. It will cost you nothing to say “Good morning” or “Good evening” to those you meet. Polite courtesy always pays. You may not regard your neighbor as your equal, but whatever his standing in the community, remember that we all are the children of one God. The world is full of trouble, and a kind word spoken in season will greatly help to cheer some weary one who is struggling along the way.
Every Christian should endeavor to keep busy, for the devil delights to see idle hands, and always finds something for them to do. Work is the common lot of men, and if we expect the reward which comes as the result of faithful labor, we must be up and doing something—no matter how small.
There are many ways in which we can serve the Master. Each should select that line of work for which he is best fitted. Do not be staggered at the difficulties which appear, but let us keep up our courage and fight manfully for the right. The day will come when God will win in the struggle between right and wrong. But duties claim your time and attention; snatch a moment for the little deeds of loving helpfulness which mean so much to yourself and those around you.
New Boston, Mo.