Article December 26, 1936 Issue

Friendliness

ALBERT F. ENGEL

The Scriptures inform us that when Christ Jesus commissioned his disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, he sent "them forth by two and two." If we judge the Master's motive by his wisdom and exactness, it is safe to conclude that there was a good reason for his trial of this particular method. Jesus knew the stolid resistance to spiritual healing and teaching which his pupils were to encounter, and, being their dearest friend, he desired to help and protect by permitting them to aid one another. Logically, he must have sent forth the disciples who would collaborate in friendliness and brotherhood—those who in their love for each other were truly reflecting that Love which is God. The Master saw that, by human as well as spiritual cooperation, they could accomplish the greatest good. We read: "And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them." The disciples' ability to heal by spiritual means, like that of the Master, was the outcome of their understanding of God, good, as infinite and all-powerful, and the recognition of evil, or error, as utterly devoid of divine support. The understanding of God and of man's spiritual perfection and oneness with Him was the basis of friendliness among themselves; and this fact points a moral which all may profitably heed.

The Bible is replete with instances of great friendliness, denoting a union of kindred spiritual qualities. Moses and Aaron, Elijah and Elisha, David and Jonathan, Naomi and Ruth, Peter and John, Paul and Silas, are outstanding examples. All of Jesus' healing activities show the divine attribute of friendliness. On the night before the crucifixion he called Judas "friend," even though knowing his treacherous plan. How great was the love in his heart for suffering humanity! How deep the inspiration that fed the flame of devotion to his cause! The greatest friend mankind has ever known represented the Christ of prophetic promise. Unfailingly, and with divine assurance, he demonstrated his understanding of the power of Life, Truth, and Love by healing the afflicted, feeding the multitudes, stilling the storm, destroying sin, and raising the dead. With what clarity he comprehended that Love must be reflected in the human heart if aught of good is to be revealed in human experience!

Mrs. Eddy likewise proved that to reach another's heart one's own must overflow with friendliness, compassion, joy, gratitude, and spiritual loveliness. Always gentle and just, in her writings she points thought steadfastly toward the clear contemplation and practical demonstration of the truth in its universal aspect. In "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" she says (p. 4), "A genuine Christian Scientist loves Protestant and Catholic, D. D. and M. D.,—loves all who love God, good; and he loves his enemies." Can greater friendliness and compassion be shown than that expressed in "good will toward men," in spiritually reflecting infinite Love and Truth? Immeasurably great would be the healing effect were all mankind to understand and put into practice our Leader's wise admonition.

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