Article December 29, 1945 Issue

Friendship

INEZ LISLE SCHOLFIELD

Friendship, one of the deepest and most important things in human experience, can certainly be considered a "human need," and the following statement from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy gives us assurance that such needs are met (p. 494): "Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need."

At its best, friendship rises to heights which border on the divine and the Master himself called his disciples friends instead of servants, as they approached nearer to him in understanding and love. "Henceforth I call you not servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you" (John 15:15). From this it appears that true spiritual friendship is found in enlightenment. Here there is no lesser or greater, but each recognizes the dignity of the other.

After Jesus had called the disciples "friends." he sent them forth to heal the sick and preach the gospel, for they were then ready to think and act in some degree as he did; their friendship with him had given them insight into his purity and strength and filled them with greater inspiration and power. Even after the Master's ascension out of their sight, their friendship with him was to them a living ideal. This is true of all real affection and friendship.

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
Being of Service
December 29, 1945
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit