Casting out Fear with Love

ELLEN CHORLTON

"Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more." So writes Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, on page 3 of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."

One of the many blessings which Christian Scientists enjoy is the opportunity provided at the Wednesday evening testimony meetings, held in all Christian Science churches the world over, of giving individual testimony of the saving and healing power of Christian Science. Every Christian Scientist can testify in some degree to this healing power. There is none but has had at least one experience when his understanding of God and of man's relationship to God has saved him from difficulties or suffering. Still, there are many who have not yet availed themselves of this opportunity of telling their experience; and there are many of us who might do more in the giving of testimonies.

Is this on account of ingratitude? No, indeed; for our meetings are filled with those whose hearts are silently expressing gratitude, and who are longing to express it audibly, and who know that there are others present who have come to hear these testimonies, and to see someone who has proved that Christian Science heals the sick. Many recognize that it is their privilege and duty lovingly to share with the seeker for Truth the blessings they have received; and they are endeavoring to obey the Master's injunction, "Freely ye have received, freely give." So it may not be lack of gratitude which prevents one from testifying publicly to the healing power of Truth. It may be fear; fear of this or that limitation; fear, with its innumerable mental suggestions which are ever trying to prevent one from doing good, suggestions which furnish mortal mind with the bonds that have fettered the expression of truth in every age.

How can we destroy this fear and free ourselves from these seeming bonds? The beloved disciple wrote in his first epistle, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear." There, then, lies the remedy: the liberator is Love.

Let us therefore "try to correct this turbulent clement of mortal mind by the influence of divine Love which casteth out fear" (Science and Health, p. 180). Let us correct it by replacing all fearsome suggestions with loving thoughts which satisfy the need of the hungering heart that has come awaiting the message of hope we have to give. Let our silent prayer be one that is "offered for the congregations collectively and exclusively" (Manual, p. 42); then let us calmly await the opportunity to speak. Moreover, let us, while waiting, realize that it is the inspiration of Love which illumines our consciousness and supports our desire to bless; and we shall indeed find that divine Love enables us to cope with the situation, and to know when and how to speak.

A love-filled consciousness can never fail to express itself intelligently. We are not called upon to be trained orators before we give voice to the truth; all that is necessary is a simple statement of facts, given with clearness and sincerity.

With love for God and man as our incentive, we cannot fail to give a testimony that will help and possibly heal one who is needing the proof that the discordant condition from which he is suffering can be overcome by the spiritual understanding gained through Christian Science.

As discouraging suggestions are resolutely refused a hearing, and Love reigns supreme in hearts, there will be in our testimony meetings no lack of audible expressions of the true gratitude that glorifies God. Moreover, those who are honestly seeking for the truth will assuredly find it.

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