Misunderstanding Overcome

MONA A. THOMSON

Misunderstanding! There is no truth in it. Understanding, born of Truth and Love, is the reality; yet how many times have we, as students of Christian Science, felt that we have been misunderstood? We see manifested all about us resentment, pride, envy, and numberless other unlovely traits of character. Discouragement and fear come hand in hand to our mental doors, tempting us to flee before error. But unfailing wisdom bids us take up arms against the devil, or the one evil, whose attempt is always to separate the children of men. Truth's command, "Be still, and know that I am God," is our first weapon of defense. Certainly nothing is to be gained by beating wildly against misunderstandings, by running to friends or so-called foes in an attempt to explain our well-meaning.

Material reasoning never overcomes evil, but reversing error by knowing the truth is error's doom. In our true selfhood we are all God's children, and to regard as real in our fellow men characteristics that are not qualities of God is to adopt unholy thoughts. Right then and there we should remember our beloved Leader's behest

(Poems, p. 6):

"Seek holy thoughts and heavenly strain,
That make men one in love remain."

Holy thoughts are spiritual thoughts; and what is the real man but God's image and likeness? Can we see the image and likeness of divine Love as being resentful, envious, vengeful, or willing to rob us of our peace? No, we rouse ourselves to see the real selfhood of each one as pleasing and forgiving, as constantly reflecting love and good will to all, ourselves included.

Do we sometimes allow ourselves to take offense because of some misunderstanding? Jesus said, "What I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." Mrs. Eddy also urges us to watch and pray. In referring to her students she says on page 87 of "Miscellaneous Writings," "To watch and pray, to be honest, earnest, loving, and truthful, is indispensable to the demonstration of the truth they have been taught."

Perhaps we are not offended, but we may just be fearful that someone has imagined this or that about us. Do God's children ever think evil? Clearly the answer is, No! God's children love one another; and in knowing this we can be "kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Then what is it, we ask, that seems to dislike us and tries to make us miserable? Mortal mind! Do we fear what mortal mind imagines or suggests? No, because mortal mind is unreal. It has no Principle, and hence cannot endure. All false claimants to power are transitory; whereas that which is true always has been, always will be true, and is true today, for Truth is infinite: it is divine Principle.

Error may tempt us to be envious of some fellow student's good fortune and progress. Then we should rejoice in our brother's good, which he has won through his own right thinking. We could not fill his place if we would. We do not want that which we have not earned and consequently have no right to possess. No one can better his own position by robbing someone else, be that position in the classroom, in the office, at home, or abroad. No lasting happiness or success is ever won that way, and no child of God ever harbored such a desire. He expresses Love at all times; and reflected love asks nothing for itself. It is unselfed. By its very nature it is blessed, and hence joyous, appreciative, and kind.

Misunderstanding is supplanted by understanding. Through constantly and consciously reflecting God, we find that good is not limited, that there is plenty to go around, for the Christ-spirit is as active today as it was centuries ago when Jesus was about his Father's business.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit