You Yourself Be Good News

You Yourself Be Good News

pope shenouda iii

People need one who makes them happy and alleviates their troubles. With the hope that he has, he can let in light to shine amidst their tribulations making them disappear and giving a new hope… 

You too, be like that. If you have a joyful word, give it to people. If you have inconvenient word, postpone uttering it in order not to cause trouble to others. 

Blessed are the words of the Bible, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things.” (Rom. 10:15). 

Be cheerful with everyone and do your utmost to spread happiness among people. 

Meet people with a gentle smile and a sweet word, for people do not like frowning or angry looks that make them lose the peace of heart and quietness. 

Make people happy to meet you, make them feel that you bring them joy and that your arrival is good news to them. 

Look how people draw a good omen and rejoice in a happy word that they read in the horoscope or fortune-book. It could fill their heart with joy and boost their morale although nobody knows the future except God. What made them happy was nothing but a word… 

Can’t you see that the word Gospel means Good News?! Preaching the Gospel was the announcing of the Good News which the Angel gave to the shepherds, “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” (Luke 2:10). 

Look how the Lord Jesus Christ said to the people, “Come to me all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28). 

So, if you are unable to carry people’s burdens, at least do not cause them troubles. 

Look how the photographers ask people to smile before they take their photo. They want the picture to be a happy one. You too should be smiling so that your face might be a source of joy for people… 

Some wrongly think that religion means a gloomy face and that gloominess indicates seriousness! Religion is in fact joy, and gentleness and joy are the fruits of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22).