Editorial February 18, 1933 Issue

Thoughtfulness Which Heals

W. Stuart Booth

It is beautiful, appropriate, and Christianly scientific that the word "thoughtfulness," as it is commonly employed, should be synonymous with unselfishness. It denotes care and consideration for others, which are ever regarded as commendable and Christian. Thus its antonym, thoughtlessness, signifies selfishness, a term decidedly displeasing and distasteful even to those who yield to and are handled by this phase of the carnal or mortal mind.

Surely no more perfect and inspiring example of thoughtfulness and tender consideration for others could be found than that furnished by the life of Christ Jesus. His gracious solicitude for the comfort and well-being of his fellow men was apparent when the multitudes brought to him in a desert place "those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, . . . and he healed them." Although he had given them spiritual food—had broken or explained for them the bread of Life—he said to his disciples, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat." Then he proved the affluence of divine Love by multiplying the meager available supply of food and feeding those thousands. He washed the disciples' feet, bidding them follow his example of humble service. Perhaps the most impressive instance of Jesus' self-abnegation and thoughtfulness was his compassionate consideration for his mother when, as he was hanging on the cross, he commended her to the care of his beloved disciple, John. Truly, as Mrs. Eddy states in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 25), "The divinity of the Christ was made manifest in the humanity of Jesus."

In every civilized country, and even among pagan peoples, there have been and are those whose thoughtfulness and unselfishness make them outstanding and beloved. However, that manifestation of goodness has not been related to God, but has been regarded as human and personal. Now Christian Science confers an inestimable blessing on mankind by teaching the truth about God so accurately, and withal so simply, that the meaning and import of these words of the Master are clarified: "Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God;" and, "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do." Therein is indicated clearly the explanation of the close connection between the healing power demonstrated by Jesus and his Christian thoughtfulness, for he identified his ability to be good and to do good with God, divine Love, the only source of grace and goodness, of health and harmony.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Item of Interest