Article March 21, 1936 Issue

Meeting the Human Need

JESSIE ELIZABETH RENDELL

A Statement much loved and often quoted by Christian Scientists, to be found on page 494 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, reads, "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need." A first reading of this statement brings much comfort to the seeker because it is a definite, inspired statement that every human need has been and will be met by divine Love. A careful analysis, however, will be wise and helpful, for to accept this comfort as sufficient, without making an effort to understand and reflect divine Love, might leave one in a passive state of blind faith, waiting for something good to happen.

In order that the promise contained therein may be fulfilled, it is necessary to learn what is meant by "divine Love." The word "Love" is a synonym for God, and is included in Mrs. Eddy's definition of God on page 587 of the textbook. It does not refer to a human being or a personality, a sentiment or sentimentality. As a synonym for God, it expresses the divine nature, and must of necessity include all that is meant by the terms Mind, Principle, Spirit, and other words used by our Leader to convey the allness of Deity.

With this wider view it will be perceived that divine Love is not a finite person, presence, or power, dwelling somewhere afar off, doing something to meet a specific human need existing somewhere else. God being omnipresent, filling all space, as we have learned in accordance with Scriptural teaching, there can be no place where God, the divine Mind or Love, is not. And, further, since this Mind is all-inclusive, there can be nothing to have or know which does not already exist as a fact or idea in Mind.

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