Editorial November 23, 1935 Issue

Genuine Gratitude

George Shaw Cook

"Gratitude," Mrs. Eddy writes on page 3 of Science and Health, "is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech." This statement by our Leader is proved true in the daily experience of us all. We sometimes find that the words, "I thank you," are almost entirely devoid of the genuine, heartfelt gratitude and appreciation which impels one to express in reciprocal deeds of kindness and consideration his thankfulness for benefits or courtesies received. Thus, while the verbal expression of thanks may at times be somewhat perfunctory, the kindly deed is seen to be that which best expresses a sincere sense of appreciation.

While it is right audibly to express gratitude for benefits received, for outward manifestations of supply, and for apparent evidences of God's goodness, it is of much greater importance that our appreciation of the infinite bounty and blessing of divine Mind should be attested in deeds as well as in words. Persons may occasionally, or frequently, in a public way voice gratitude for practical benefits resulting from the demonstration of Christian Science, but evidences of genuine gratitude are not always found in the daily living of those who thus publicly give thanks.

Sometimes thankfulness is sincerely felt and gratefully expressed by those who have seen the practical proof of Truth's healing and redemptive power without, perhaps, an adequate appreciation of what gratitude, in its highest sense, really means. For example, it is recorded in the Gospel of Luke that the seventy disciples of Jesus, when they returned from the healing mission on which they were sent by their beloved Master, spoke to him thus of the signs and wonders wrought: "Even the devils are subject unto us through thy name." Jesus indicated in his reply that he expected their efforts would be attended by such results; but seeing beyond the outward evidences of the healing power of Christ, he continued, "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."

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