Being and Doing – 8 May – Living for Others

DOING nothing for others is the undoing of oneself.   We must be purposely kind and generous, or we miss the best part of existence.   The heart that goes out of itself

gets large and full of joy.   This is the great secret of the inner life.   We do ourselves the most good doing something for others.

HORACE MANN

WE are our best when we try to be it not for ourselves alone, but for our brethren; and we take God’s gifts most completely when we realise that he sends them to us for the benefit of other men who Stand beyond us needing them.

PHILLIPS BROOKS

…..THY love

Shall chant its own beatitudes,

After its own life working.   A child-kiss

Set on thy sighing lips shall make thee glad;

A poor man served by thee shall make thee rich;

A sick man helped by thee shall make thee strong;

Thou shalt be served thyself by every sense 

Of service which thou renderest.

E. B. BROWNING

oooOOOooo

These quotes are from ‘Being and Doing’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1908 for members of the Being and Doing Guild whose object is to do all they can for the relief of suffering and misery.

Most of the writers are 19th Century Christians from Britain and Europe who were committed to living their faith through deeds as well as words – Being AND Doing.

For many years these words have kept me company and encouraged me on the journey of faith.  I hope they will encourage others also.