Editorial July 18, 1953 Issue

DIVINE LOVE AND OUR HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS

Richard J. Davis

The proof that Christian Science is the revealed truth of being is seen in its healing effect upon every phase of human experience. Indeed, a function of the Christ is the redemption of human consciousness. This healing activity invariably shows itself in the uplifting and transforming of human relationships.

The study of Christian Science greatly changes our concept of what love really is or should be. For example, it removes a false sense of personal responsibility for other people's lives and their problems. We discover that it is not always loving to attempt to work out another's salvation; indeed, in the last analysis one never can. It is not really loving to make or create a "leaner." Actually no one wants to be a leaner and go through life on another's efforts. To do this would only weaken one's own character. If a teacher always worked out the problem, would the child learn to apply the principle of mathematics for himself? The correct understanding of Love uncovers misdirected efforts to be humanly kind based on sentiment instead of divine inspiration and guidance, and enables philanthropy to be the expression of divine Principle, Love.

There is also another side to this question of human relationships. It sometimes happens that one is called upon to assume the care of someone else in the family, a manifest duty, accepted at first with willingness and a readiness to serve. Then after a time, unless the responsibility is placed where it belongs—with divine Mind—the care becomes a burden, and without one's being aware of it fear, weariness, and self-pity have supplanted love. The true sense of service has departed, and only a sense of human duty remains. In the light of Christian Science we see that service at the behest of divine Love is always joyful and removes all sense of burden.

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