By Baxter Evans
I have been asked to write an article accompanying the picture appearing on the cover of this issue of Truth Magazine. I confess that I am not a writer (to that art I make no claim) but have decided to accept the challenge and do my best. So, in thinking and wrestling in my mind of something profitable to say, I thought of the statement, “Be ye kind one to another.” Our thoughts for this article will be based upon Matt. 7:12 and Eph. 4:31-32.
There is a law of purity which forbids all manner of uncleanness such as adultery, fornication, lasciviousness, etc. The law of purity is binding. Those who violate it dishonor God and suffer grave consequences. There is also a law of kindness which is just as sacred and just as binding as the law of purity. Those who violate it also dishonor God and bring upon themselves divine displeasure. It is unto this law that I direct your attention. It may be divided into the following three parts:
1. Be ye kind in thought. Whatsoever ye would that men should think about you, even so think ye about them. You would not have men to think evil of you-to be bitter in heart toward you, to be angry at you, to hold malice against you, to believe the worst about you. Then, you must think no evil of them. You would have men to think good of you, to be tenderhearted toward you, to forgive you, to believe the best of you. Then, you must think good of them. So, be ye kind in thought.
2. Be ye kind in word. Whatsoever ye would that men should say about you, even so say ye about them. You would not have men to speak evil of you, whether it be to your face or to your back; you would not have them tell ugly tales about you, to smear your good name, to speak unkindly about you. Then, you must not speak evil of the. Speak evil of no man. You would have them to speak good of you, to recognize your good deeds and noble traits, to promote friendly relationships between you and your neighbor. Then, you are under solemn obligation to speak good of them.
3. Be ye kind in deed. Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye unto them. You would not have them to do unkind deeds to you which injure your body, damage your property or hurt the people you love. Then, you must do them no injury. You would have them to do kind deeds to you to help you in the hour of misfortune, to lift you when you are fallen, etc. Therefore, you must do as much for them (Lk. 10:30-35; Gal. 6:1-2). Every good thing that you in your heart require others to do unto you, God requires you to do the same unto them.
Truth Magazine XXI: 47, p. 747
December 1, 1977