Article November 1, 1947 Issue

HEALING, SUSTAINING, VICTORIOUS GRATITUDE

[Original article in German]

ELISABETH JÄNICKE

Gratitude is the sincere recognition and acknowledgment of divine good. Such acknowledgment, therefore, must logically exclude either consideration of or concession to error of any kind. One cannot be thankful and at the same time complain, doubt, hate, or despair. Gratitude is associated with love joy, peace, patience, faith, hope, strength, courage, and with other spiritual qualities.

Gratitude is an angel calling to mind blessings already received, encouraging and inspiring us with the positive assurance that divine goodness renewedly awaits us. Such an angel came to Jeremiah, who said (Lam. 3:21, 23): "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

Gratitude also admonishes and guides. How earnestly our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, exhorts us on page 3 of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more." And on page 372 she says, "If pride, superstition, or any error prevents the honest recognition of benefits received, this will be a hindrance to the recovery of the sick and the success of the student."

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