Editorial March 8, 1941 Issue

Overcoming Enmity

Alfred Pittman

The significance and value of Christ Jesus' commandment, "Love your enemies," have been greatly clarified for a multitude of Christians, and others not previously Christians, by Christian Science. They have learned that the course thus indicated by the Master is both practical and immeasurably advantageous. They have perceived, and have had conclusive proofs, that in these few words he was indicating the scientific means of overcoming, not merely enemies, but enmity itself, and of having in its place the clear and stable evidence of righteousness and peace.

If, then, one seems to have an enemy, if another is acting destructively to the interests of oneself, what is the scientifically Christian response? Not, certainly, hatred, as the human mind is so prone to conclude. For the most practical reasons, hatred will not do what needs to be done. Not being in accord with the nature of God, the one infinite Mind, divine Love, it is neither intelligent nor strong. To indulge it is therefore to adopt a weak and groping method of dealing with evil, a method that cannot possibly accomplish anything worth while, as has often been proved.

It is equally certain that the scientific response to enmity is not one that would encourage it, or facilitate its endeavors. How plain it is that any such procedure could not be Christian, that it could only be putting temptation in the way of the wrongdoer, instead of lessening his temptations.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Overcoming Enmity

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access