3870 —מעשה טוב אחד, השגחה פרטית, וכוח ההשפעה

B"H, 10 Menahem Av, 5716. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

...Especially since according to the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov regarding Divine Providence over every detail of a person's life—and particularly concerning Torah and mitzvos—it is clear that all those ... have been given the abilities to rectify the situation, each according to his own circumstances. As our Sages say: "Lefum gamla shichna" (the load is according to the camel's strength). And it is already well known from the instruction of our holy Nesi'im: One good deed is better than a thousand sighs. As for what you wrote—that they will not listen or act according to the guidance—this is something we cannot know, as our Sages famously say: "If it is revealed before You..." (Shabbos 55a), which proves how difficult it is for a person to know this with certainty. Especially when dealing with those who, to a greater or lesser extent, have benefited from the light of Torah—namely, the teachings of Chassidus and its guidance and customs...

And based on all the above, it is understood that improving and rectifying the situation depends mainly on those present at the scene. And whoever is greater than his fellow—whether in wisdom or in years—his responsibility and merit are greater. And our Sages have already ruled that the mitzvah of rebuke applies until... (Arachin 16b), yet even those who rebuke are still far from fulfilling this fully. Our holy Rebbeim—the Nesi'im of Chabad—have already elaborated greatly on how rebuke itself must be done pleasantly and so forth; further elaboration on this simple matter is unnecessary...

With blessing for good news.

Summary

The Rebbe writes that one good deed has immense value and that we must never underestimate our ability to influence others for good—even if we doubt they will listen. Our task is action; results are in G‑d's hands.