Article February 20, 1932 Issue

Life and Love Synonymous

FRANCES CLARKE GEROW

Students of the Bible and of the writings of Mary Baker Eddy soon learn that God is Life and that God is Love; that Life and Love, both being names for God, are synonymous. And these facts become increasingly clear to them. However, just as it is easier to stand afar off and see the lofty mountain top than it is to ascend to that height step by step, so it is easier to gain the theoretical knowledge that Life is Love than it is to apply that truth in practice.

It is an accepted fact that self-preservation is a native instinct; and protection and defense of so-called material life are considered natural and right. But, notwithstanding the fact that Life and Love are synonymous, mankind has tried to maintain its sense of life with little, if any, corresponding thought of maintaining its sense of love. One desires life, and desires to have it "abundantly." And Christ Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." One wants his life to be harmonious, continuous, eternal; but he may fail to realize that in order to have it so, he must maintain a true sense of love that is equally continuous and uninterrupted. He must claim, protect, and defend his sense of love just as he would his sense of life.

The rule by which mankind could accomplish this desirable end was given by Christ Jesus, who demonstrated the truth that Life is Love. Two thousand years later, Mrs. Eddy discovered and explained the modus operandi of the Science of Christianity, which shows the paramount importance of gaining and maintaining the sense of permanent spiritual love if one would "lay hold on eternal life."

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