"Owe no man ... but to love"

HAZEL GRUND

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." A student of Christian Science sought a fuller meaning of the foregoing passage, Paul's admonition to the followers of Christ Jesus in Rome. Apparently, obedience to the two commands to "owe no man" but "to love" constitutes the fulfillment of the law.

The firm of which the student was a partner was doing a large amount of credit business. It was becoming increasingly difficult to make collections, although in many cases there was no actual excuse for delayed payments. It was the policy of the firm to pay its own bills promptly, and to proceed with caution and wisdom in each undertaking. Care was taken that each obligation and contract should always come under the government of the Golden Rule, as far as the firm's own part was concerned. This honest and conscientious procedure, it was felt, would naturally operate as law, whereby those indebted to the firm would make greater effort to meet their obligations.

It was obvious to the student that that which seemed to stand in the way of a more righteous adjustment was the presence of resentment and condemnation, masquerading as righteous indignation. Consequently, as the situation became more acute, it was realized that greater effort must be made to reason from the higher standpoint as taught in Christian Science.

Do we "owe no man any thing" merely because we have fulfilled our human obligations? Are we sharing our neighbor's burden with patience and forbearance, by a compassionate understanding of his problem? Do we realize the presence of an abundance of good for him with the same degree of fervor as we do in realizing this truth for ourselves? Is our love becoming more impersonal, reaching out in larger measure?

If we are withholding from someone the realization of his true status as the son of God, we are in debt to him. If we feel resentful towards him, we are not loving him as the Master, Christ Jesus, taught us to love.

On the other hand, we should not ignore the errors that seem to be holding the individual in his sense of indebtedness. To agree with his belief that he has nothing with which to pay, or that he does not wish to do so, will not solve the problem. It might even increase his fear of lack, postponing the inevitable day of adjustment for him. Every wrong thought that would tempt us to believe man to be other than God's perfect reflection must be surrendered.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, tells us how this may be done. In her book, "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 62), she says, "Holding the right idea of man in my mind, I can improve my own, and other people's individuality, health, and morals; whereas, the opposite image of man, a sinner, kept constantly in mind, can no more improve health or morals, than holding in thought the form of a boa-constrictor can aid an artist in painting a landscape."

The prophet Elisha may have recognized the widow woman's need of a greater measure of love which was to include all mankind. We read in the second book of Kings that the prophet commanded her, "Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few." To her fear-filled and limited sense, the unhappy woman had only a pot of oil, and this she was holding for herself and her sons. However, that which she possessed proved to be sufficient when, in prompt obedience to the divine command to pour forth of what she had, all the vessels were filled even those belonging to her neighbors.

Like the woman, we may be believing that we possess very little. If so, we too need to heed the prophet's command and begin to pour forth of the divine qualities already in our possession. Some of these may be found in our Leader's definition of "oil" on page 592 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." They are, "Consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration."

Does our stock of gentleness and charity seem limited and restricted? If so, we have temporarily ceased to be aware of the divine source from which there is an abundance of good ever flowing. Perhaps our daily prayers lack real gratitude for the fact that this truth is encircling the globe, bringing healing to all mankind. Consecrated, impersonal work will bring fresh inspiration each day, opening our eyes to behold all good here and now, for all.

As we joyously and lovingly fulfill our obligations to our Father-Mother God, knowing that our brother is endeavoring to do likewise, the bonds of fear and lack will be dissolved by the truth that never fails. Each sincere effort to obey the law of love will help us to trust more in the law of divine justice and its certain fulfillment.

Gratefully the student rested in the assurance that in pouring forth a greater desire to love understandingly the law was fulfilled. Immediately, channels that had theretofore seemed closed, opened, and abundance to meet each need was seen to be at hand. New and better business contacts were made at a time when general conditions argued adversely. Again it was proved that right ideas never fail to work together harmoniously in furthering God's plan of abundant good for all His creation.

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