Article February 7, 1931 Issue

The Way of Love

CHARLES SWAIN REYNOLDS

The student of Christian Science finds in its teachings complete and concise rules, applicable to every phase of living and to the solution of his problems. On page 12 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy writes, "We should measure our love for God by our love for man." In thinking of the human sense of love, one may justifiably ask, How can I live in obedience to this rule? How can I love those who are unlovable? In pointing out the way of divine Love, Christian Science satisfactorily answers these questions. Its teachings show that it is possible to express love, consideration, tolerance, and compassion for all, including those who seem unlovely and unlovable.

Beginning on page 475 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy gives a definition of man. She says in part, "Man is idea, the image, of Love." Farther on in the same paragraph she declares man to be "that which possesses no life, intelligence, nor creative power of his own, but reflect spiritually all that belongs to his Maker." Realization of the truth of these words makes it clear that spiritual man, reflecting God, who is Love, everywhere and always present, cannot refrain from loving; for how can that which reflects infinite Love express aught but love?

In his Sermon on the Mount our Master asked, "For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye?" He tells us to love our enemies and by so doing to become the children of our Father in heaven. How easy it is to love those who love us! The warmth of tenderness that fills our hearts for our loved ones has much of heaven in it; but love, gauged by the standard of Jesus, should reflect the same warmth for all mankind.

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