Article June 6, 1942 Issue

True Friendship

ADELAIDE ROGERS CALKINS

The question of friendship and its place in their thoughts and lives sometimes perplexes students of Christian Science. They realize that too much dependence has been placed on the merely social side of friendship, and that there must be an adjustment of thought to divine Principle. The solution of this problem, like that of other problems, can be found in studying Christ Jesus' teaching and example. Lovingly he called his disciples "friends." In his wise admonition he promised them fullness of joy if they kept his commandment to love one another. As his clear rules for selfless living are truly followed, there will be found the true sense of friendship.

The Master was deserted by all but a few of his followers in the great test of their loyalty; but because of his perfect understanding of the facts of being, he retained the true sense of unity with God. He said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." The constant lifting of thought above the testimony of material sense ever holding to the fact of man's relationship to God, will bring peace to those who follow the Christ, Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy has written on page 266 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "Would existence without personal friends be to you a blank? Then the time will come when you will be solitary, left without sympathy." These words puzzle many who are starting to investigate the truths of Christian Science, until they consider the sublimely comforting assurance with which she ends this sentence: "But this seeming vacuum is already filled with divine Love." Could there be any deeper consolation than that of turning us to unfailing divine Principle?

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