Article August 15, 1925 Issue

"The ... gentleness of Christ"

PETER B. BIGGINS

Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, made a tender appeal to their better selves "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ." Paul has much to say in regard to gentleness. It comes with encouragement, to those of us who feel the need of striving to manifest Christlike qualities, to recall that Paul himself must have overcome much that was opposed to gentleness. The harsh treatment which, as Saul the persecutor, he had meted out to the early Christians can scarcely be associated with Paul, who later so earnestly urged his hearers to express more of the quality of gentleness. The Scriptures, by their very candor on the subject, encourage us in our efforts to put off the undesirable traits of mortal sense, and to put on "the new man," characterized by tenderness, strength, gentleness, kindness, and all the other graces of Spirit. Paul and his fellow-workers clearly saw the importance of the utmost kindness and tenderness toward those who are gaining an understanding of Christ, Truth, so that each aspiring thought may be allowed to unfold in fulfillment of its highest possibilities. Thus, in speaking to the Thessalonians of the ministrations carried on by himself and his colaborers, Paul writes, "We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.”

As individual character is transformed by the healing power of Christ, Truth, more of the quality of gentleness comes into view. A beautiful fact is recorded with reference to Jacob's experience after his struggle at Peniel, when his nature was transformed and his true selfhood came to light more clearly. When Jacob met Esau in friendship, and the brothers were discussing the journey that lay before them, Jacob showed tender solicitude for the welfare of the children and of the flocks. It would appear that formerly Jacob had been more concerned with accumulating material possessions. Now a new tenderness, the gentleness that sprang from a perception of Christ, Truth, was manifest. This is plainly evident in his words to Esau: "Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure."

The gentleness of Christ was beautifully expressed by Jesus of Nazareth. His continual deeds of kindness are a constant incentive to us to overcome any tendency toward harshness, unmercifulness, unkindness, which mortals have to get rid of, and to bring out in our lives more of gentleness. Christian Science is revealing the reality of spiritual existence. In the ratio that one discerns scientifically that the harmony of being is forever intact, to that extent is one founded on the Rock, Christ, Truth; and the waves of mortal sense cannot shake this firm foundation. This recognition of changeless reality insures calmness of thought, gentleness of demeanor. Nevertheless, this does not mean passive acquiescence in wrong. With true gentleness and strength one will, as the occasion demands, fearlessly and wisely expose and denounce evil, and, in doing so, help every one concerned. This real kindness, because it is based on the understanding that man is made in the image and likeness of God, and that error cannot touch the real man. When one sees this clearly enough, one is willing to carry the cross joyfully for the sake of the ultimate good that necessarily results.

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