Coulee City dispatch. [volume] (Coulee City, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1940-01-18

True Tact

that tact means inslncerity and
h dishonesty, or that it is an I'M
important quality. Refusing to culti-
vate it, they sometimes cause others
hurt feelings or embarrassment,
which might have been avoided.
A dictionary defines tact as mice
discernment of what is appropriate
to do or say in dealing with others:
peculiar ability to deal with others
without giving offense, or so as to
win good will, especially in difficult
situations. delicate and symps-
thetic perception, especially of what
is fit, graceful, or considerate under
given circumstances. A certain SUR
face politeness may be simply the
result of intelligent control and GO {.
breeding, but the love that is unfail-
ing and truly graceful and consid-
crate at all times is based on the
understanding of God.
Tact is consideration, thoughtful.
ness of others, ana it is closely re-
lated to loving-kindness. 1t appreci-
ates the viewpoint of the other per-
son and tries to apply the Golden
Rule (Matthew 7:12), whatsoever
we would that men should do to you,
do We even so to them"
Tact may sometimes be shown in
simply refusing to do or say some
thing which, If said or done, would
accomplish no good. 1t may be shown
in speaking an encouraging word to
one who is facing difficult situa-
ton. 1t ma, be evidenced in an in
teresting observation which will turn
someone's attention from himself
and put him at his ease. 1t avoids
unnecessary controversy, chooses ST.
lence rather chan unconstructive
criticism, encourages the troubled,
commends honest effort.
How lru'. did Jesus life exem-
plify the prophets word (Isaiah
1921. 81: "Behold my servant. +. !.
a bruised reed shall he not break.
quench'! The "bruised reed" that
which has already been hurt, even
If by its own fault. may sometimes
be won back to wisdom and cour-
age, activity and strength, by gentle
kindness. there blunt condemnation
of the fault would fail. The "smok-
ing flax"-that mentality which is
but dinlly alight needs tender and
wise encouragement. One of the love-
ly qualities that aids our work with
others is graciousness. Well may we
pray in the words of loved hymn
(Christian Science Hymnal, No. SS):
"Gracious Spirit, dwell with me:
l myself would gracious be-
Tact does not tell all it knows; 1t
minds it's own business. 1t is greatly
needed in all organization work. The
business official or a committee or
church worker who uses tactfui
methods in dealing with others, sue
ceeds in inspiring all to better serv-
ice than does the inconsiderate or
the unwisely outspoken individual,
whose intentions may be praisewor-
thy. People occasionally believe
that they are tactless, and that there
is nothing they can do about it but
regret the fact. There is no reality
in crude or bTusque or thoughtless
words or deeds.
One should claim for himself the
ability to express every good and
strong and lovely characteristic
takes much work and prayer to dem
onstrate them. 1t may take pa
thence and persistence and steadfast
effort to do so, but as Impotence,
thoughtlessness, selfishness, and mar
rowness of vision are replaced by
their opposites, man IL Gods likeness
becomes ever clearer.
Every earnest person wants his
thinking and acting to bless others.
He can always be sure that they will
if he is rejecting God. Not to con-
done evil but not to condemn per-
son; not to think of self but to think
of others; not to be afraid, re-
pressed, or self-conscious, but SYM
pathetically alert to the problems OF
others and quick to help to meet
them - earnest desire such as this
will be expressed with the gracious
ness Of love.
AS we turn to Jesus life and words
for examples, we see what tact he
used in illustrating his teaching by
parallels on subjects with which his
particular audience was especially
familiar. ..
In Science and Health with Key
to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy
states Opp. ATS, AID: Jesus beheld
in Science the perfect man, who ap-
peared to him where SHINING mortal
man appears to mortals. In this per-
feet man the Saviour saw Gods own
likeness, and this correct view OF
man healed the sick" With such q
view of man, one could not be other
than loving, gracious. and consider
ate. And with these qualities in con-
seriousness, ones tender wisdom;
thoughtful consideration, and intel
ligent helpfulness will be inspired BY
true Christliness. - Ths Christian
Science Monitor.