Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White taught that small acts performed with love and kindness are of immense value, stating that "if these little things are performed, they become great things" (1SAT 298.2). She emphasized that it is the motive behind an action, rather than its size or visibility, that determines its true worth in the sight of God. In her writings, she explained that "it is the motive which gives true value to our acts" (3SP 72.2). While the world often praises great deeds that everyone can see, God values the little duties cheerfully doneand "the little gifts which make no show" (3SP 72.2). These small acts of love "breathe a sweet perfume in the life which ascends to God as holy incense" (1SAT 298.2). These small attentions are especially important because many people are fighting long, hard battles with trying circumstancesthat are hidden from others (Te 131.5). Ellen White noted that for such individuals, the strong, helpful grasp of the hand by a true friend is worth more than gold or silverand that "words of kindness are as welcome as the smile of angels" (MH 158.3). These simple courtesies make up the sum of life's happiness,while neglecting them can lead to great "human wretchedness" (PP 158.2). Furthermore, faithfulness in small matters is the true test of a person's character. She wrote that "it is little things that test the character" (PP 158.2) and that "he that is faithful in little, is faithful also in much" (T20 181.2). When we perform these small duties with integrity and a cheerful heart, they cheer and gladden the pathway of lifeand are eventually "treasured as a precious gem before God" (4T 591.1). Jesus Himself set the example for this kind of life. He was thoughtful and kind toward the aged and the poor,and His tenderness extended even to "the dumb animals" (SJ 30.2). Whether He was carrying "little lambs" in His arms (SJ 75.6) or caring for a "wounded bird," His presence made every living thing happier (SJ 30.2). By following His example in the little things of life,we manifest a character that is truly Christlike (1SAT 298.2). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the importance of kindness within the family circle? • How do small habits and "littles" affect the development of our character? • In what ways did Jesus demonstrate kindness to the poor and suffering during His ministry?

Ellen White taught that small habits and little things are of profound importance in character formation, stating that "it is by small things that our characters are formed to habits of integrity" (3T 22.2). She emphasized that nothing we do is truly small, explaining that "every action is of some account, either on the side of right or on the side of wrong" (3T 22.2). The daily practice of faithfulness in small matters serves as essential training for the soul. She wrote that little things supply the actual discipline of lifeand that "it is by them that the soul is trained that it may grow into the likeness of Christ, or bear the likeness of evil" (CG 129.3). Through exercising principle in the small transactions of ordinary life, we are tested and our characters are formed, acquiring power to stand greater and more important tests (3T 22.2). Ellen White warned against undervaluing these seemingly minor matters. She noted that many are deceived about what constitutes a little thing, explaining that "little things have an important relation to the great whole" (CG 129.2). She observed that life is chiefly made up not of great sacrifices and wonderful achievements, but of little thingsand that "it is oftenest through the little things which seem so unworthy of notice that great good or evil is brought into our lives" (HDL 32). The cumulative effect of small habits is significant. She cautioned that "many littles make much in the end" (PH066 17.4), and that the greatest loss is sustained by those who transgress in small matters, for "they are violating the principles of right, and learning to look upon transgression in small matters as no transgression at all" (PH066 17.4). Through daily tests and faithful attention to small duties, the mind is trained to habits of fidelity and develops a sense of the claims of right and duty above inclination and pleasure. Minds thus trained "do not waver between right and wrong, as the reed trembles in the wind; but as soon as matters come before them, they discern at once that principle is involved, and they instinctively choose the right without long debating the matter" (3T 22.2). By being faithful in that which is least, we acquire strength, and it becomes easy to be faithful in greater matters. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the connection between character development and daily choices? • How does faithfulness in small things prepare us for positions of greater responsibility? • What practical examples did she give of "little things" that people often overlook?