Article October 4, 1947 Issue

"IN LOVE"

MARY PRIDE MC LAREN

One of the inevitabilities of human experience seems to be that at one time or another one should "fall in love." Very often this affection is returned, and if it is not mere infatuation the outcome is a happy marriage. But if love is lavished upon one person and meets no response it may give rise to dismay and bitterness. In such a case students of Christian Science reverse every evil suggestion that presents itself. These suggestions may argue to the injured one that man is anything but perfect and expresses coldness, indifference, unattractiveness, and that this results in moments of despair and hopelessness; that man's consciousness is the playground for varying and conflicting emotions, never at rest.

To lift oneself above this morass of mortal feelings is like climbing a rope ladder; the perception of each new spiritual idea of the perfection of man, of his loveliness and loving-kindness, of his beauty and peace, as revealed in Christian Science, is another rung by which one can lift his thoughts above the vicious claims of mortal sense. Many times the struggle to attain the heights of Science may seem unequal, and despair tends to hang heavily on one's advancing steps; but always a fresh angel thought appears to lighten the darkness and the load.

Many of the so-called love stories and love songs in the world have confused a passionate, selfish, personal attachment with real love. Paul in the thirteenth chapter of his first epistle to the Corinthians gives a most beautiful and comprehensive explanation of real love; and the one who studies and understands this chapter will find that, although at first he may have to struggle against a mortal sense of selfhood, he gradually attains the peace which passes understanding. One must replace human selfishness, passion, jealousy, and envy with the kindness, humility, poise, unselfishness, and unfailing tenderness which go to make up true, enduring love.

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