Article July 27, 1935 Issue

Gratitude

LEROY G. STUMP

A witty and perhaps somewhat cynical French writer is credited with having devised the definition that "gratitude is a lively appreciation of benefits yet to come." On superficial reading, his statement might appear to be a sarcastic commentary on human selfishness that gives expression to gratitude only when it foresees future benefits from a source which it therefore wishes to flatter. And it implies that the expression of gratitude would be withheld, were it not believed the future would hold additional munificence from that source.

In the light which Christian Science throws upon all human motivation, however, the expression of gratitude may justifiably be considered as being "a lively appreciation of benefits yet to come," as well as of benefits already received.

The expression of gratitude is more than an occasional utterance; it is a continuing attitude in the lives of Christian Scientists. Their daily study of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, confers on them a constantly expanding and deepening knowledge of God, a knowledge which reveals God as infinite, eternally available good, the ever-loving Father-Mother of all, and man in His image and likeness, spiritual, perfect, eternally harmonious. The constant unfoldment of this knowledge of good brings good into their experience, not merely intermittently, but steadily, in proportion to the conformity of their thoughts to Truth. The manifestation of good is not always outwardly observable. Frequently it is an advancing step in spiritual awakening, growth, and understanding, an advance which to the Christian Scientist is more surely an occasion for rejoicing and for thanking God than would be mere outward improvements.

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