MELIORISM
“The belief that we can contribute to positive change and improve the world through acts of love, creativity, compassion and kindness” is not something new if you are a believer. As we say goodbye to January in a few weeks, we look forward to February, longer daylight and Valentine’s Day; not to mention Random Acts of Kindness month.
Jesus and his disciples, Martin Luther King Jr. and even Mother Theresa believed in and demonstrated the word “meliorism” countless times. Have things changed in our world? Have we forgotten to be that positive change? Don’t we want to improve the world? Don’t we want to be the sunshine in someone’s dismal day? Let’s go back to the Golden Rule.
At a Nazi labour camp in the winter of 1943, an SS guard deliberately left a gate unlocked so that prisoners could have a seventeen minute window to escape into the Polish forest. Many lives were saved because of compassion.
During the 1800’s, a few artists such as Vincent can Gogh and Rembrandt, managed to create extraordinary works of art, even though they lived in extreme poverty. They have influenced the art world even to this day. Their creativity lives on.
A woman was having “one of those days!” She’d missed her ride, spilled a coffee and her phone died. As she stood in line at the grocery store, a total stranger caught her eye. He smiled - not awkwardly - just a sincere smile that made eye contact. There was no reason. It didn’t fix anything, but it softened her heart and she relaxed, smiling back. It’s a reminder that a simple, free smile can show kindness and change someone’s day.
Jacob’s story in the bible teaches that true love is patient and always willing to wait and sacrifice. He worked 14 years for his father-in-law to marry Rachel. In our world, we want quick results but Jacob’s dedication reminds us of God’s enduring love for us which is steadfast, patient and eternal.
Can we change the world? Yes, by one smile, appreciating art, showing kindness and compassion we can.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-39