Article February 22, 1941 Issue

Gratitude and Testimony

CLIFFORD W. HOLLEBAUGH

"Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech." So writes Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, on page 3 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." This enlightening statement shows gratitude to be an active healing quality. Christian Science is based upon the Bible, especially upon the teachings of the Way-shower, Christ Jesus, who in his own career actively expressed gratitude to the Father.

The Gospel narratives relate many instances of Jesus' gratitude. Two outstanding examples are those wherein the Master fed the multitudes and called Lazarus forth from the tomb. On each of these occasions, Jesus' uplifted thought expressed thanks to his heavenly Father in advance of any manifestation of human adjustment. And to all his followers Jesus stressed the importance of giving thanks. This is revealed in the incident related by Luke, wherein Jesus healed ten lepers, one of whom "turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God." As this one gave thanks, Jesus asked, "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?" Referring to this Scriptural account, Mrs. Eddy has written in the Christian Science textbook (Science and Health, p. 94), "Of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed, but one returned to give God thanks,—that is, to acknowledge the divine Principle which had healed him." Here is a clear explanation of gratitude as the spiritual acknowledgment of God's omnipresence, omnipotence, and omniscience. Is not such acknowledgment "much more than a verbal expression of thanks"? Does not the question, "Where are the nine?" admonish us to acknowledge the power of God?

It may be asked, How can gratitude be expressed in action? The answer to this question comes through prayer, individual progress, and unfoldment as a result of consecrated study of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook. Primarily it is answered in the thought and action of the individual in his daily life, as he strives to put into practice what he has learned of the basic teachings of Christian Science that God is Life, Mind, Spirit, Love, and that man is His image and likeness. Therefore, as he acknowledges God as Love, he logically perceives man in the image and likeness of Love. As he earnestly strives to be Godlike and to show forth or reflect the qualities of Love, he manifests more patience, more tolerance, more kindliness toward those with whom he comes in contact.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
"Get into line"
February 22, 1941
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit