A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
A glad inner condition shows itself outwardly in a bright and cheerful face, while inward sorrow weighs upon and breaks the spirit. Cheerfulness is therefore not merely outward manner but the visible expression of gladness of heart, and dejection is the wearing effect of sorrow of heart.
For this reason Christians are to be cheerful and grateful, deliberately dwelling on the blessings and bright spots in their path and on the promised reward rather than on hardship. Keeping that focus brings gladness of heart, and such gladness makes the Christian religion inviting to others.
A glad inner condition shows itself outwardly in a bright and cheerful face, while inward sorrow weighs upon and breaks the spirit. Cheerfulness is therefore not merely outward manner but the visible expression of gladness of heart, and dejection is the wearing effect of sorrow of heart.
For this reason Christians are to be cheerful and grateful, deliberately dwelling on the blessings and bright spots in their path and on the promised reward rather than on hardship. Keeping that focus brings gladness of heart, and such gladness makes the Christian religion inviting to others.