Article January 15, 1927 Issue

Signs of the Times

with contributions from Helen C. Sexton, George H. Morrison, Irvin S. Cobb

[From an article by Dr. Helen C. Sexton, S. R. N., in the National Humane Review, Albany, New York]

Kindness is the practical expression of love, in the highest sense of the word. St. Paul tells us that love is the chief attribute of God, and, therefore, the greatest and best thing in the universe. He also teaches that a brilliant life, lived without deeds of kindness in the spirit of love, is of "nothing worth," for all the other gifts of the spirit pass away as time flows on, but love is so great that it can even "cover the multitude of sins." What is kindness? It is the essence of the Golden Rule, and is the visible working of all that brings harmony into the world. This being the greatest attribute, in order to share in it one must pay the price, and that demands the sacrifice of self. Yet though this may seem to be a high price, the gain is unspeakable happiness and peace, not only in this world but forever. Kindness being the practical working of the great attribute, gives us the opportunity to practice it at every turn; it rises before us at every step, and is so varied that there is no monotony. This attribute is so vast that no one is barred from its privileges, and we can become great only through its use. The greatest in the eyes of the Father in heaven are often the ones who are least known on earth and the ones who have the fewest of this world's goods. The kindly deeds of the very poor, involving much sacrifice, outshine the glitter of the gold given where little or no self-sacrifice has been made. Again, kindness is not limited to age, or youth, and the busiest can find some kindly deed to do, if only to give a smile or kind word to brighten another's life. Thus we share in God's attribute and without knowing it we become great, and the greatest are the most humble.

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