Article March 6, 1920 Issue

Overcoming Prejudice

NONA EVELYN FARRAR

It sometimes seems very discouraging to one who is trying to live in accordance with Christian Science, to have friends or relatives criticize his motives and actions unjustly. We have many, many promises and much instruction showing us how to prove God's tender care, and by being faithful we can overcome any fear of harm resulting from this form of error. On page 6 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy says, "Divine Love corrects and governs man." As God, divine Love, is the only governor, we need no person who is believing in a mind apart from God to tell us what we should or should not think and do. If we obey human argument, and should even win the sanction of men, if it is not in accordance with God's government, we shall have to retrace our steps. It is well to be alert and not allow pride or fear to mar our vision. If self-pity should claim to be a reality, we have this loving promise in Matthew: "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." The unkind words or actions of others can do us no harm if we refuse to give them power, or to allow pride, self-pity, or fear to govern our thoughts; but, instead, stand steadfastly, knowing the truth under each circumstance and returning love for hate. The truth is, that God created man and that man is loving, truthful, kind, knowing no evil, and certainly not critical or domineering. Whatever error our eyes seem to see and our ears to hear, must be reversed by knowing the truth. What of it, if part or all of our relatives or friends seem to express unkindness about our beloved religion? It is only a mistaken belief; perhaps one which we ourselves have at some time entertained. Can one be a better friend or relative in any other way than by lovingly correcting these beliefs, with actions if not words, and so be our brother's keeper?

We are learning to know God as Father-Mother, who is no respecter of persons; a strong support through every tribulation; a real healer of sorrow, lack, and unhappiness, and a refuge from the ills that come from wrong thinking. In proportion to wrong thinking, will one surely suffer. Correcting and overcoming false beliefs will bring good into one's consciousness. The result of right thinking is activity, kindness, and peace. Then let us meet every error that knocks at the door of our mentality, and correct it with the truth as taught in Christian Science. If we follow in Jesus' footsteps and overcome evil with good, man will be revealed and understood as God's idea.

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