Chicago Sun-Times advice columnist, Ann Landers (1918 – 2002) observed, “Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.” We must have the gift of confidence to move forward in loving ways. When we remember to share our gifts, by forgiving others who have done us wrong.

Norman Vincent Peale (1898 – 1993), minister, author, and progenitor of “positive thinking,” remarked, “Believe in yourself. Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” This confidence comes from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We have to believe in him, do his will, for he guides us.

God brings people across our paths to show us the way of life. Through the gift of prayer there will be specific actions for us to take. Helen Keller (1880 – 1968), author and political activist, felt, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” When we encounter people we have to be positive in bringing them the good news. This is a necessary ingredient for successful evangelism.

It is for us to show kindness to those we greet. An ancient Chinese philosopher and poet, Lao Tzu (6^th to 5^th century – 531 BC) stated, “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” Amazingly, it is through kindness that we’re able to do what’s best for people.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884 – 1962), politician and longest serving First Lady of the United States, believed, “You gain strength, courage, confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’” Roosevelt reminds us not to be daunted by fears. Face them head on, recognize what they are, and move on with your plans. There’s victory in overcoming fear.

English naturalist, best known for his evolutionary theory, Charles Darwin (1809 – 1882) remarked, “Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, and not those who know much, who positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.” It’s interesting to realize that the more people know, the more they realize how little they actually know.

Some people work to enhance their own reputation and position. Robert Kiyosaki (b. 1947), businessman, author and motivational speaker, asserts, “Confidence comes from discipline and training.” When everything is said and done, people have to be well-trained, and disciplined, to be successful. This is through hard work, dedication, and persistence in the Christian faith.