By Entering into Joys and Sorrows, June 18

I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. 2 Corinthians 2:3. “I felt sure that my joy would be a joy for every one of you.” Moffatt. In your association with others, put yourself in their place. Enter into their feelings, their difficulties, their disappointments, their joys, and their sorrows. Identify yourself with them, and then do to them as, were you to exchange places with them, you would wish them to deal with you. This is the true rule of honesty. It is another expression of the law, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” And it is the substance of the teaching of the prophets. It is a principle of heaven, and will be developed in all who are fitted for its holy companionship. The golden rule is the principle of true courtesy, and its truest illustration is seen in the life and character of Jesus. Oh what rays of softness and beauty shone forth in the daily life of our Saviour! What sweetness flowed from His very presence. The same spirit will be revealed in His children. Those with whom Christ dwells will be surrounded with a divine atmosphere. Their white robes of purity will be fragrant with perfume from the garden of the Lord. Their faces will reflect light from His, brightening the path for stumbling and weary feet.—Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 135.