Lack of Kindness
The lack of kindness in the world is the root cause of unhappiness, and it is up to us to change this by being mindful of our words and actions.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches on the transformative power of kindness in our interactions with others, emphasizing that love fulfills the law by working no ill towards our neighbors. She highlights how unhappiness often stems from unkind conduct towards one another, and how the world's unkindness can be reversed through individual acts of kindness. Tileston also addresses the impact of criticism within families, urging against unnecessary fault-finding to cultivate love and companionship.
Text
Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
--ROMANS 13:10
In her tongue is the law of kindness.
--PROVERBS 31:26
THE worst kinds of unhappiness, as well as the greatest amount of it, come from our conduct to each other. If our conduct, therefore, were under the control of kindness, it would be nearly the opposite of what it is, and so the state of the world would be almost reversed. We are for the most part unhappy, because the world is an unkind world. But the world is only unkind for the lack of kindness in us units who compose it.
--FREDERICK WM. FABER
You feel in some families as if you were living between the glasses of a microscope. Manner, accent, expression, all that goes to make up your "personality," all that you do or leave undone, is commented upon and found fault with.
--H. BOWMAN
If you would be loved as a companion, avoid unnecessary criticism upon those with whom you live.
--ARTHUR HELPS
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Kindness
- The Lack of Kindness in the World
- The Consequences of Unkindness
- Criticism and fault-finding can be hurtful
- Avoiding unnecessary criticism is key to being loved as a companion
Key Quotes
“In her tongue is the law of kindness.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“We are for the most part unhappy, because the world is an unkind world.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“If our conduct, therefore, were under the control of kindness, it would be nearly the opposite of what it is, and so the state of the world would be almost reversed.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Be mindful of our words and actions, and avoid unnecessary criticism to create a more loving and kind environment.
- Practice kindness and love towards those around us, as it is the fulfilling of the law.
- Take responsibility for our own conduct and strive to be kind and compassionate towards others.