Article February 20, 1943 Issue

Joy and Gratitude

GEORGE C. EWING

Mary Baker Eddy writes on page 265 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "Who that has felt the loss of human peace has not gained stronger desires for spiritual joy? The aspiration after heavenly good comes even before we discover what belongs to wisdom and Love. The loss of earthly hopes and pleasures brightens the ascending path of many a heart. The pains of sense quickly inform us that the pleasures of sense are mortal and that joy is spiritual."

Joy and gratitude are spiritual qualities essential to growth in Christian Science. One cannot experience true joy without being grateful for the blessings bestowed upon man by his heavenly Father, and sincere gratitude finds expression in an abundance of joy. Joy and gratitude open the door of human consciousness to let in the sunlight of God's presence, which dispels the shadows of doubt, fear, and discord. Joy and gratitude appear as thought becomes receptive to the Christ, Truth, through which one apprehends his divine heritage of peace, perfection, confidence, and dominion.

In the parable of the talents we are told that the servants who utilized their talents not only increased them but gained dominion over "many things." They also experienced the joy which comes from right activity. From this parable we learn that faithful use of God's good and perfect gifts is equally required of all.

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