Editorial December 1, 1934 Issue

Precluding Hurt Feelings

W. Stuart Booth

In all human history there never was a man whose thought, purpose, and endeavor were so misunderstood and misjudged as were those of Christ Jesus. His humility was regarded as weakness; his compassion for and helpful companioning with sinners were misinterpreted as condonation of sin; his reflection of divine Love, by means of which those who were sick, blind, and lame were healed, was referred to as the work of "Beelzebub the prince of the devils;" his selfless spiritual ministry for men appeared to those having human and religious authority as a threat against their prerogatives and privileges. Yet, we have not even a hint that Jesus permitted any sense of resentment, hurt feelings, bitterness, or self-pity to find lodgment in his consciousness. What a marvelous example of love, of Christian control and dominion!

The all too prevalent belief that the standard of thought, life, and works set by the Master is impossible of attainment by others, is rebuked by Christian Science. Reason points out that Christ Jesus would not have instructed his disciples of all times and places to follow his example fully had he not known that this high goal is attainable. The revelations of Christian Science support this appeal to reason by presenting the rules for right thinking and living, obedience to which plants our feet on the path leading to perfection, the path which was trodden by the Way-shower. Christian Science unfolds the truth about God and His law of harmony so that it is seen to be possible to verify here and now the words of the Psalmist, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

It is evident that in order truly to love God and His law we must be acquainted with Him and understand the divine will or law. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy has shared with the world God's revelation of Himself to her, the revelation which first healed her in 1866, and which has healed unnumbered others through their reading of this inspired book. Therein we learn that God, the Father-Mother of man and the universe, is wholly good in nature and expression; that God is Love, Mind, Spirit, Truth; and that "all things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made," as John states. God's will, then, must be the law of good, harmony, right activity, freedom, justice, and perfection. Christian Science also reveals that man, the child or reflection of God, is unfallen, pure, loving, and lovable.

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