Article May 2, 1931 Issue

Friendship

EUNICE M. BAYLESS

Friendship is a rare jewel set in the heart that is unselfish and loving. Its true value is lost to those whose eyes are dimmed with the dust of self and personality. Sparkling with inspiration and pure in purpose, friendship expands thought and strengthens righteous desires. Based on helpfulness and progress, it is glorious and indestructible. It is common to mankind, and all may retain it in the degree that they share it. For friendship to exist, there must be friends; for friends, there must be love; and love is of God, the foundation upon which Christian Scientists are building their friendship for individuals and nations. They are enlarging the borders of their thinking to include in their friendship not just a few, but all the world; for the earnest desire of every Christian Science worker is to be a friend to all mankind.

Wanting to be a friend is different from wanting to have a friend, because wanting to have frequently proves a selfish desire; and friendship ends when rivalry for ownership and monopoly of another's affection, time, and attention begins.

Personal attraction is not the basis of friendship. It promises satisfaction, companionship, and friendship, but for the most part it is disappointing and disheartening; and if yielded to it is a destroyer of individual aspiration.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
On Being Original
May 2, 1931
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit