Article May 22, 1954 Issue

"BRING FORTH THE BEST ROBE"

AUDREY NEWITT

A Parable is often the means of compelling the listener or reader to grasp a spiritual truth. Christ Jesus frequently used the parable for the purpose of elucidating eternal facts.

In the familiar parable of the prodigal son we find that the father expressed forgiveness as soon as the son acknowledged the sin and took steps to make amends. In fact, the father seemed so eager to forgive that he ran to meet the son when he was a great way off. And to further express his joy over the fact that the son had come to himself, the father commanded his servants to "bring forth the best robe, and put it on him" (Luke 15:22). What a valuable lesson this points out for us today! Are we as eager to know our brother as he really is: the sinless, perfect idea of God? Can we as spontaneously desire to enfold him in our best robe, our highest sense of the pure idea of love, rather than place upon him the tattered robes of harsh criticism or the unclean garments of cruel gossip and condemnation?

One day two students were discussing the whereabouts of a friend whom they had not seen for over two years. This friend had in the past been inclined to be sporadic in his study and application of Christian Science, and his progress seemed questionable. One student ventured that it would undoubtedly be a case of the "same old story" with him. Immediately the other student checked this cruel attempt to classify him as a prodigal. In quick succession came these questions: Would we like to be judged now by what we seemed to be two years ago? Do we believe we have progressed and our friend has not? Must he remain in bondage to his past while we have the joy of constant unfoldment?

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