Article February 27, 1932 Issue

"Thus do I love thee"

ABIGAIL DOROTHEA BAKER

To the receptive, childlike thought the love of God and His Christ is as real as is an expression of human affection. In his second epistle to the Corinthians Paul says, "For the love of Christ constraineth us." Of Jesus, Mrs. Eddy has written in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 54), "Out of the amplitude of his pure affection, he defined Love."

A picture published some years ago appeals to one whose purpose is set on following in the footsteps of the truth. The picture shows a southern scene of lake and cypress and distant mountain; and in the foreground is represented a figure standing with arms flung wide in a gesture of tender appealing love. Underneath are the words, Sic te amo—"Thus do I love thee." This Christlike love is what Christian Scientists are striving to show in their human lives: the outstretched arms of "pure affection," the "Thus do I love thee" of universal Love.

Studying the life of Christ Jesus in the light of Christian Science, we see clearly what underlay all his words and works and brought healing to the world: it was his understanding of the relationship between God and His idea, man, and his great selfless love for humanity. Because of this spiritual understanding and love, Jesus was able to touch the leper, bringing to him purity and soundness; to say tenderly to the sinful woman, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more;" to show to the sorrowing parents of the little maid life instead of death; to call Lazarus from the tomb; to call Judas "Friend"; to pray for those who would have destroyed him, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

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