Reflecting Christ’s Character Through Countenance and Kindness

The Lord has given beautiful instruction regarding the character and appearance of those who share His message, emphasizing that the honesty and integrity reflected in your countenance will leave a lasting impression on those you meetCM 61.1. While the specific mention of a "smile" is often associated with the kindness and gentleness that leave an imprint on the face, it is the light of Christ in the heart that truly wins respect and opens doorsCM 61.1+1.

The Power of a Consecrated Countenance

• Reflecting Christ's Character: What people need to see is not faultless apparel or a polished outward display, but the honesty and integrity of character that is naturally reflected in your countenanceCM 61.1.

• A Lasting Influence: Kindness and gentleness leave a specific impress upon the face that the practiced eye can see, testifying to a lack of deception or pomposityCM 61.1.

• Winning Respect: When you live your faith and allow your daily life to be a bright light, even those who disagree with your doctrines will respect you because of your steadfast integrityCM 68.1.

• The Fragrance of Courtesy: As you go from house to house, you are to carry with you the fragrance of Christ’s life, manifesting Christian tenderness and love for soulsCM 44.1+1.

• Divine Companionship: Remember that when you labor in humility, heavenly angels are by your side, and your work is performed in the very sight of GodCM 53.1+1.

Relevant Scripture

• "Take heed to yourself, and to the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this you shall both save yourself, and them that hear you 1 Timothy 4:16."

• "For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord: walk as children of light Ephesians 5:8."

• "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man Colossians 4:6."

...he canvasser needs is not the faultless apparel, or the address of the dandy or the clown, but that honesty and integrity of character which is reflected in the countenance. Kindness and gentleness leave their impress upon the face, and the practiced eye sees no deception, detects no pomposity of manner. A large number have enter...— CM 61.1 (1953)

...ll be respected; and many will believe the truth you advocate, because you live your faith, because your daily life is as a bright light set upon a candlestick, which giveth light to all that are in the house. Even your enemies, as much as they war against yo...— CM 68.1 (1953)

... his power to let the light of truth shine forth in good works. In his discharge of duty he should shed about him the fragrance of Christian courtesy, improving every opportunity to perform acts of helpful service. He should educate himself to speak...— CM 64.1 (1953)