Article October 18, 1919 Issue

A Loving and Humble Spirit

PERCY W. BROWN

ARE not some of us too prone to criticize? We see shortcomings in our neighbor and hasten to correct them, to point out the right way according to our own standards, or we speak of them to others. In many cases criticism of others arises from a feeling of superiority, and this is one of two things,—either self-righteousness or unconscious jealousy, one of the most subtle forms of error. The Master's immediate disciples were not always free from jealousy, as we find described in the twenty-second chapter of Luke; but Jesus rebuked them kindly with the admonition, "I am among you as he that serveth." Let us lay hold of that divine quality which found expression in meekness and brotherly love as practiced and taught by the humble Nazarene. If one has even a little understanding of Christian Science, he will pray that divine Principle enrich the thought of his brother, and any feeling of personal superiority will vanish into nothingness.

"The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace," said the apostle James, and also, "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." Divine wisdom will appear as our hearts are receptive, and as we seek the truth in humility. Mrs. Eddy writes (Miscellany, p. 228): "Who shall inherit the earth? The meek, who sit at the feet of Truth, bathing the human understanding with tears of repentance and washing it clean from the taints of self-righteousness, hypocrisy, envy,—they shall inherit the earth, for 'wisdom is justified of her children.' "

Much has been said as to constructive criticism. Criticism is right when it tends to reform evil conditions and to restore harmony. Great care should, however, be exercised lest criticism arise from personal motives which belong to the carnal mind and are not those loving qualities which are attributes of the divine Mind. The writer once had a special antipathy for a certain class of people with whom he came in daily contact, which was caused by certain traits seemingly common to all members of that race. The very mention of their racial name was sufficient to arouse a bitter antagonism in his thought. It was not until he approached the situation in a loving and humble spirit that the bad qualities seemed to fall away and he was able to see all men as children of God and all as members of one great family.

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