Article January 4, 1947 Issue

The Importance of Giving Testimonies

HAZEL GRUND

Almost all attending the Wednesday testimony meetings of a Christian Science church do so with the expectation of receiving benefits. Seekers of Truth's healing power need encouragement and conviction. But are there not at these meetings many who have been listening over a period of years to the expressions of gratitude for healing and who are still in the attitude of merely receiving? Since "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35), should not one who stands and proclaims what the power of Christ, Truth, has done for him carry away the precious reward of added blessings?

The one who returned to give thanks to the Master for his quick delivery from leprosy must have received a greater measure of good than those to whom Jesus referred when he asked (Luke 17:17), "But where are the nine?" Perhaps the word "giving" suggests a need for Christian Scientists to rise to a higher standard of living the Science of Love. The blessed Master lived a life of selfless giving. Likewise did the world's great benefactor, Mary Baker Eddy. She it was who provided that those who have been healed in Christian Science may publicly proclaim their gratitude in a manner both convincing and inspiring.

Not only in the Wednesday meetings is opportunity provided for this purpose but also through the pages of The Christian Science Journal, the Sentinel, and the Heralds. And many have been led to investigate the assertion in these periodicals that Christian Science heals all manner of disease and discord. The authenticity of these testimonies is established, and their value to the movement cannot be measured. The beginner in the study of Christian Science looks hopefully to them for the inspiration that will lift him out of the darkness and discouragement into which he may have drifted.