Sunday School Notes and Comments

"Love. What a word! I am in awe before it. Over what worlds on worlds it hath range and is sovereign!" So writes our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, on page 249 of "Miscellaneous Writings." This synonym for God is repeatedly coupled in her writings with another synonym for God, divine Principle.

The understanding of divine Love as Principle is often overlooked in the application of Christian Science to daily living, and especially so in the training of children. Human indulgence is often mistaken for love, and discipline is cast aside as having nothing to do with the religion of Love.

As a result children may become a prey to unhappy suggestions of disobedience, disorderliness, and selfishness, because they have not been taught to understand the protection of divine Love as Principle. The Sunday school teacher can do much to educate the children in this all-important subject.

Obedience to Principle unfolds the law of divine Love. The First Cause, God, is seen to govern everything that is real—to be the only lawgiver. The realization that man and the universe are the expression of this divine Principle brings thought under the imperative law of Love. No other discipline than this is needed, for it ultimates in that self-government which is the expression of Love.

Insistence on obedience to divine Principle is the basis of teaching the children the First Commandment. Approached from this standpoint, the Commandments cease to be the dry edicts of an unknown God, for obedience to them brings into evidence the living, radiant protection of Love. Enfolded in this obedience, the children grow into the stature of Christ, protected from false belief.

Paul says that "love is the fulfilling of the law." Obedience to Principle must demonstrate Love. Obedience to divine Love as Principle causes us to express gentleness, helpfulness, order, and so on, and makes of daily living a progressive unfoldment of good. We should show the pupils that Love's inevitable demand on its own idea must be that the divine nature shall be expressed. This cannot be accomplished by letting things slide, or by indulging error while proclaiming that all is Love. Love is known through its idea, and thorough practical demonstration. Success is attained only by strict adherence to the rules laid down.

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