Article January 25, 1936 Issue

Kindness as a Law of Conduct

WILLIAM P. MC KENZIE

Men seek after many gods and have formulated many creeds; but as a popular writer says, it is the art of being kind that meets the human need. No Scriptural writer was more clear on this point than Paul. When we can get to his meaning, his view is impressive. Mrs. Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 24) speaks favorably of "acquaintance with the original texts;" hence we may present Paul's statement in I Thessalonians 5:15, as given by translation from the original Greek in "The Twentieth Century New Testament": "Take care that none of you ever pays back wrong with wrong. On the contrary, in your dealings with one another and with everybody, always follow the kindest course." How many vexed questions in regard to conduct that simple rule would answer!

The teaching of the Bible is a valuable inheritance, enriching those who use it rightly. The book of Proverbs closes with an ideal description of womanhood. Of the virtuous woman it is said, "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." The matron or mother has to deal with the helplessness of the infant and the little children, the inefficiency of servants, the lawlessness of adults, and yet maintain the integrity of her household, the peace of the home, and the welfare of those far too often unthankful; so she must be sustained by a law within. The law of kndness within blesses and supports her life.

People explain kindness being descriptive of action due to a sense of kinship. Members of a family or tribe are reckoned as being within the friendly circle, even though those outside may be treated unfairly as enemies. But it has been observable that kindness may draw together even enemies, and "one touch of nature" may make the whole world akin. Jesus certainly taught universal kindness as being the privilege of the individual.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

The Great Awakening