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Heart Conquers Hate: Lessons from Every Faith on World Kindness Day
November 13th is World Kindness Day.
Introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, its purpose is to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us. It is observed formally and informally in many countries, including the United States. Its celebrations are simple—people being kind to people. According to one supporter, “It is a day that encourages individuals to overlook boundaries, race and religion in order to promote peaceful co-existence.”
It is a celebration that harmonizes with virtually every world religion.
As they progress in our religion, it is common for Scientologists to feel a surge of charity, well-being and kindness. Thousands have felt this calling and have served as Scientology Volunteer Ministers, flocking to help those afflicted by everything from personal trauma to natural disasters.
In this, Scientologists find brotherhood with other religions.
Our Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, has had much to say on the subject of kindness.
“The most valuable asset we have, actually, is our ability to understand, to do the right thing, to be kind, to be decent,” he wrote.
“The only way anything ever does resolve is by letting your own kind heart reach through. That’s the only way it ever does solve. And it never solves by being tough.”
And…
“It requires real strength to love Man. And to love him despite all invitations to do otherwise, all provocations and all reasons why one should not.
“Happiness and strength endure only in the absence of hate. To hate alone is the road to disaster. To love is the road to strength. To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. And may very well be the greatest secret in this universe.”
In this, Scientologists find brotherhood with other religions.
One of the fundamental principles of Christianity is charity. As the Bible says: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” —John 13:34
And…
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” —Leviticus 19:18
And…
“…on earth peace, goodwill towards men.” —Luke 2:14
One of the five pillars of Islam is almsgiving, donations to charity and the poor. It is required of those who are “financially stable,” and imposes an obligation of brotherhood with other, less fortunate Muslims. That obligation is not restricted to money. Employing one’s knowledge in the teaching of those less fortunate is charitable.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints preaches kindness through service, patience, compassion, love and friendship, words, and by giving time to others. When the war in Ukraine broke out, the Latter-day Saints had relief workers stationed on the main exit routes from Ukraine, knowing that a flood of refugees would soon be on those roads.
Kindness is a sentiment shared by saints, philosophers, artists and leaders across the globe and throughout history:
- “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” —Aesop
- “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” —Mother Teresa
- “We rise by lifting others.” —Robert Ingersoll
- “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” —Maya Angelou
- “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” —The Dalai Lama
Kindness does conquer hate. I am reminded of Shirley Chisholm, the African-American congresswoman who ran for president in 1972. Amongst her rivals for the Democratic nomination was Alabama governor George Wallace, as staunch a segregationist as you’ll ever see. During the heat of his racist campaign, a would-be assassin shot Wallace four times, nearly ending his life and certainly ending his presidential aspirations. As Wallace lay paralyzed in the hospital, Chisholm visited him. They spoke for nearly 15 minutes. She found issues on which she and Wallace agreed and validated him for them. She told Wallace that “I wouldn’t want what happened to you to happen to anyone,” and wished him well. Wallace “cried and cried.” Although his presidential campaign was over, his political life was not. He remained a strong voice of southern politics until his death in 1998, by which time he had renounced his segregationist views and became an advocate for racial equality.
I will end by reiterating these words from Mr. Hubbard: “The only way anything ever does resolve is by letting your own kind heart reach through.”
Happy World Kindness Day.
