Grace and peace in Christ.
Dear and welcome friend! Your dear brother told me that you are very sorrowful and that sadness weighs upon you. What we talked about, he will undoubtedly tell you himself. However, you, my dear Matthias, should not succumb to your thoughts, but listen to what others tell you! (…)
Since God wants us to comfort one another and for everyone to believe in such comfort, set your thoughts aside and know that it is the devil who torments you with them, who cannot stand it when we have a joyful mind.
Therefore, hear what I say to you in God's name: Be happy in Christ, who is your gracious Lord. Allow Him to take care of you; He cares for you even when you are lacking what you desire. Live and expect the best from Him. That is most pleasing to Him, like the best sacrifice, as Scripture says. For there is no sacrifice more delightful than a joyful heart. (…) When good people comfort you, dear Matthias, learn to believe that God Himself speaks to you through their mouths.
(Martin Luther /1483–1546/, letter to Matthias Weller, October 7, 1534)
