Article July 26, 1924 Issue

Forbearance

HANNAH M. FRANKEN

How often in our journey onward and upward our high and glorious hope, do we find ourselves in conditions where forbearance is not alone helpful but essential to establish peace. In meeting the qualities of thought emanating from the carnal mind, we are called upon to exercise what Paul in his epistle to the Colossians called "longsuffering." Before the spiritual interpretation of the Bible was given to us by our revered Leader, the thought of long-suffering suggested a material condition where pain, tribulation, and struggled were requisite before freedom or salvation could be gained. In Christian Science we learn with joy that salvation, of which forbearance is an essential factor, is possible here and now. In proportion as we are forbearing, patient, long-suffering, in spite of the temptations surrounding us, do we overcome the turbulent waves of discord. And long-suffering is mental, not physical.

Often in our daily experiences we meet those who have not had the inexpressible joy of entertaining the Christ, Truth, who are still groping amidst the emptiness of temporal pleasures. Here are opportunities to exercise forbearance, or long-suffering, a quality which Paul, when speaking to the Galatians, declared to be one of the fruits of the Spirit. Through a kindlier and more tolerant sense of our neighbor, we help to spiritualize thought and promote the activity of right ideas. This is practicing Christian Science. Even though one may not necessarily often be called upon to heal so-called physical disease specifically, still, being minute men, we are ever on duty, ready to manifest those spiritual qualities which, by his relationship to God, man constantly reflects.

In bringing out a broader, more encompassing sense of divine Love, we purify the atmosphere, befogged as it may seem to be with clouds of discord, discontentment, and fear. We also thus obey the loving admonition of our unselfish Leader, Mrs. Eddy, given in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 210), where she says: "Good thoughts are an impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely shielded from the attacks of error of every sort. And not only yourselves are safe, but all whom your thoughts rest upon are thereby benefited." This mental state fulfills the law of Love, blesses all about us, reflecting as it does the spirit of the Master, who knew that naught but perfection is present.

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