Article January 17, 1920 Issue

Laboring to Love

To the question in regard to making the most rapid progress in the understanding of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy replied in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 495), "Study thoroughly the letter and imbibe the spirit." The great benefit that results from taking this advice was made very clear to the writer by the following incident.

Being in frequent association with one who was acting in a criticizing and unpleasant manner, the way to meet the situation was sought in divine Mind, and the answer which came was the need for more love. But, arose the protest, how can one love just now, under these circumstances? It seems too difficult. Then, as though it were a gentle voice speaking, came the words from Science and Health (p. 242), "In patient obedience to a patient God, let us labor to dissolve with the universal solvent of Love the adamant of error,—self-will, self-justification, and self-love." It was the "still small voice" and on being entertained a sense of peace stole over a heart that had been filled with sadness and resentment. Instantly the person in question was regarded in a different light,—there was a looking past the mortal concept of man to the immortal idea of God; and the concept of self changed from that of an angry judge to that of a loving and therefore helpful friend. The result of this application of God's law was evident in the increasing joy and harmony which characterized all subsequent meetings.

Before the coming of this healing thought there had been no conscious familiarity with even the words which conveyed it, but there it was, ready to heal and to bless, whenever the occasion should arise. It had been imbibed in the study of the letter. This experience contained a lesson to be grateful for, especially since it demonstrated another point. Hitherto it had seemed that unless one loved easily it was not loving at all; now it was clear that one must sometimes labor to love, and that through this laboring will come the great desire to love our neighbors as ourselves, and so the opportunity to fulfill the law.

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