Article September 6, 1930 Issue

Forgiveness

ALICE MARY KIBBLE

ON page 17 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy gives the words, "And Love is reflected in love," as the spiritual interpretation of the line of the Lord's Prayer, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Webster defines "forgive," in part, as "to give up resentment." The analysis of the three syllables of the word "forgiveness" also gives food for thought. "For" denotes thoroughly; "give" means to bestow without receiving a return; "ness" is defined as a state or quality. Thus we may arrive at the thought that to forgive means to give up all resentment; that forgiveness is a state of bestowing without receiving a return, or a state of giving.

Was not this exactly what Jesus was always doing? He was always in a state of giving. Throughout his earthly career he constantly expressed loving-kindness and forgiveness; he reflected Love in loving. Thus he set all mankind the highest example. Pure love for God inevitably results in pure love for man. Never was the Master too busy to give time, love, and help to those in need. After a journey, while resting by the well at Sychar, he gave to the woman of Samaria that beautiful discourse on the water of Life. When journeying from Jericho to Jerusalem, he lovingly stopped to answer the call of two blind men, and healed them. When Zacchaeus climbed the sycamore tree, Jesus, perceiving his desire for good, called to him to come down, and later talked with him. When certain of the people were rebuked for bringing children to him, he lovingly took the little ones up in his arms and blessed them. When betrayed, he restored the injured ear of the servant of the high priest; and when nailed to the cross, he prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

How can Christian Scientists follow the Master in bringing out this true sense of forgiveness? Will not this come from a more consecrated love for God and a more tender and considerate love for one another? When one dwells in the sense of the presence of infinite Love, God, there can be no resentment. Holding a sense of resentment or unforgiveness is an acknowledgment of our limited realization of the power of divine Love. As a sense of the ever-presence and power of Love increases, we shall be more willing to forgive—to give up resentment.

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