Article April 26, 1930 Issue

Joy

MARY PERHAM

Joy is one of the fruits of Spirit. Mortals believe, however, that joy is material and dependent on material conditions for its manifestation; and it is because they persist in believing in the material nature of joy that they so often lose it. The remedy lies in turning away from the false to the true spiritual concept of joy; and Christian Science shows us how to develop this quality.

Mrs. Eddy writes on page 10 of "Christian Healing": "If you wish to be happy, argue with yourself on the side of happiness; take the side you wish to carry, and be careful not to talk on both sides, or to argue stronger for sorrow than for joy. You are the attorney for the case, and will win or lose according to your plea." To one student struggling with a sense of unhappiness, this passage came with rousing effect; for it was seen that unhappiness was no more to be endured than sickness or any other phase of error, and, furthermore, that loyalty to the teachings of Christian Science demanded that sorrow be as actively combated as sickness and sin. John's vision of the new heavens and the new earth included neither sorrow nor crying.

Christian Science declares that God never made man sick or unhappy. Joy is an essential quality of Mind, and man, the image and likeness of God, is joyous. God is Spirit, and man reflects Spirit; and this reflection must be joyous. Joy is the evidence of correct, harmonious thinking. It is the spontaneous consequence of reflecting God, good.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Joy

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access