Editorial July 8, 1922 Issue

Gratitude and Its Expression

Duncan Sinclair

An outstanding characteristic of the Christian Scientist is his deep gratitude to God. Christian Science has taught him that God is the ever present, omnipotent, eternal Principle of all real being, and has revealed to him the truth about man, as the perfect spiritual image of perfect divine Principle; and he is grateful beyond words for this understanding, which he is able in some measure to demonstrate in the healing of the false beliefs of disease and sin.

The Christian Scientist is grateful, first of all, to God, his heavenly Father-Mother. This is natural. But the moment he pauses to consider the situation, he thinks of those who have contributed in bringing the revelation of divine Science to him. His thoughts go out reverently to Christ Jesus for all he has done to enlighten mankind on the unity of God and man. Next, he thinks of Mrs. Eddy, who has made it possible for him to follow, scientifically, the teachings of the Master; and his heart goes out in love and gratitude to her, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

But surely we realize that gratitude must be far more than a silent, or even a verbal expression of thankfulness. If it stopped there, one might rightly question its sincerity. It must be translated into practical terms to prove that it is genuine. The best test of gratitude is obedience,—that obedience which results from the understanding of divine Love, which is the healer of all the ills "that flesh is heir to." "Obedience is the offspring of Love," Mrs. Eddy says on page 117 of "Miscellaneous Writings;" "and Love is the Principle of unity, the basis of all right thinking and acting; it fulfils the law." It is plain, therefore, that if one has gained some understanding of divine Love, his understanding will be demonstrated in gratitude and obedience.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Editorial

Freedom from Domination