Article July 14, 1951 Issue

CHRISTIAN ENCOURAGEMENT

MARTHA J. BUCKNER

The complete sentence in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy in which the words of the title of this article appear is on page 367: "The tender word and Christian encouragement of an invalid, pitiful patience with his fears and the removal of them, are better than hecatombs of gushing theories, stereotyped borrowed speeches, and the doling of arguments, which are but so many parodies on legitimate Christian Science, aflame with divine Love."

A study of the Gospels reveals that the Master, Christ Jesus, frequently used Christian encouragement in his ministry. To the stormtossed disciples, panic-stricken at the sight of what they believed to be a spirit approaching them on the water, he said (Matt. 14:27), "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." He quieted the fears of Jairus concerning his daughter, of whom a hopeless report had been received, before lovingly accompanying him to his home. The woman with an issue of blood and the palsied man were cheered.

On the eve of the crucifixion, in a heart-to-heart talk with his disciples, Jesus endeavored to instill courage to meet the days of doubt and confusion ahead. These were his profound words: "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). It is as if he had said, "In the world—the material concept of existence—you have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have proved material existence unreal." Thus the crucifixion is shorn of futility and grossness and teaches a lesson in uninterrupted Life, ineffable Love, and invincible Truth. At the first meeting with his disciples after the resurrection he told them not to be afraid.

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