Article December 5, 1936 Issue

Justice

CHARLES V. WINN

Among the qualities which go to make up true Christian character is that precious gem, justice. How conspicuous it was in the life of our great Master, Jesus the Christ, and how earnestly it should be sought by those who are striving to follow him! That our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, saw its transcendent value is evidenced again and again throughout her writings. She refers to "just" and "justice" many times in her published writings. In one very striking passage in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 228) she says that we are brought "to look on a kind, true, and just person, faithful to conscience and honest beyond reproach, as the only suitable fabric out of which to weave an existence fit for earth and heaven."

In certain passages Mrs. Eddy also associates justice with honesty. Honesty and justice are very near relatives. Much of what we have thought of as virtue is largely negative—a mere abstention from wrongdoing. Christian Science gives true virtue a positive tone, an affirmative value. It shows that justice is expressed in active honesty, kindness, and love; in good deeds actually done, not merely contemplated.

One root meaning of virtue is "strength," and true strength implies power in action. Power which is not used does not show its ability to act. A dynamo may generate electricity, but that electrical energy is of value only as it is used for some helpful purpose. Honesty and justice are to be woven into the very fabric of our thinking. We are not merely to look at them and think what a nice fabric they would make, but they must be woven into and become an integral part of the very fiber of our thought.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

"The joy of the Lord"