Article August 29, 1931 Issue

My Neighbor and I

[Original article in German]

MARGARETE HILDEBRAND

ONE who is honestly seeking God and searching the Bible for guidance in human affairs is perhaps discouraged by the fact that mankind so soon lost its paradise, and that envy and hatred were the cause of the first fratricide. Nevertheless, throughout the ages, this has served to exemplify the results of disobedience; and it has led men to go to the root of human misery in order to learn how to overcome it through the understanding of God, good.

The disquietude of the human race is the result of disquietude in the human heart; and this, again, results from the lack of understanding of God, and from the seeming inability to understand one another and rightly to appreciate and acknowledge motives and acts. We can be sure that a better understanding of God would result in a better understanding of one another. Inequality, disputes, hatred, envy — these pernicious tendencies are the errors of mortal mind. Especially are they the result of false concepts of God. One's sense of relationship to God, as well as to his neighbor, is formed solely by his concept of God. Until this concept is uniform in all mankind, that is, in conformity with reality, such errors will continue to shatter peace. One must not grow tired in his endeavor to build up this peace or this understanding of one another, even though innumerable times he has to begin again from the beginning.

Where can we find a more perfect example of thinking and acting than in Jesus, the master Christian? He who studies the life of Jesus with the aid of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, will soon find the way leading to spiritual peace, as well as to the right attitude towards God, good, and his fellow men. In his prayer, recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus expressed the basis of true charity; in this prayer the final chord of his life on earth, as it were, was sounded. "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me," expressed the sincere desire to know all men to be at-one with God and to share good with them. His goal was the oneness of Mind.

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
Wrestlers
August 29, 1931
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit