Article May 9, 1914 Issue

"Love one another"

C. L. BOSTWICK

He who spake as never man spake, said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another." The rabbinical law had insisted upon love for God, and at the same time had taught "an eye for an eye." The Master's teaching was in striking contrast to this, for he emphasized the fact that we must have not only love for God but also love for man; that, as Paul later declared, "love is the fulfilling of the law." John fully understood this teaching, for he said, "He that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" implying that with any thought or feeling unlike love in our hearts it is impossible for us truly to love God. Paul declares that without love one is as "sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal;" also that love "is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil." He who loves his neighbor as himself does not take offense easily.

In "Pulpit and Press" (p. 21), Mrs. Eddy says: "Christian Scientists, their children and grandchildren to the latest generations, inevitably love one another with that love wherewith Christ loveth us; a love unselfish, unambitious, impartial, universal,—that loves only because it is Love. Moreover, they love their enemies, even those that hate them. This we all must do to be Christian Scientists in spirit and in truth." She does not say that we "should" do this, but that we "must" do it,—that upon no other condition can we truly be Christian Scientists. She also declares that "the vital part, the heart and soul of Christian Science, is Love. Without this, the letter is but the dead body of Science,—pulseless, cold, inanimate" (Science and Health, p. 113). It therefore necessarily follows that if we are entertaining any unloving thought or voicing anything unkind or uncharitable about our fellows, we are not worthy to bear the name of Christian Scientist; much less can we hope to heal according to its Principle.

The world is watching us, listening to our words, and judging us. Are we voicing criticism? Are we resentful? Are we "taking up a reproach" against our neighbor, repeating unkind things which may have been voiced to us about some person? If we are, let us stop now, before we forfeit our right to the name we bear. We are required to give the same proofs which the master gave. Mere profession counts for nothing; but as we manifest Love and bring it more and more into our consciousness, so that we begin to approximate the Mind of the Master, our healing work will be sure and quick. If at any time our demonstrations are slow or uncertain, it will be well for us to pause and consider whether our "brother hath aught against" us, and if so, act according to the rule laid down by our great Wayshower, "be reconciled" with our brother, and then take up the work again. Surely it behooves us all to let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works (the manifestation of Love), and glorify our Father which is in heaven. It is not possible to overestimate the results which can be attained in Christian Science if we keep ever before us and obey the command of Christ Jesus to "love one another."

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

"Love one another"

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access