Article June 19, 1954 Issue

"WITHHOLD NOT THE REBUKE"

PAULINE B. RADER

Students of Christian Science are told in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy (P. 452), "When error confronts you, withhold not the rebuke or the explanation which destroys error." Sometimes it is necessary to point out to those seeking help in Christian Science certain errors of thought or action that may not have been recognized as sinful or opposed to God's purpose. To do this, great love and understanding are required. One must make certain that when the error is brought to light, it is seen as nothing—not something that can cause or continue suffering or sin. The error should be entirely separated from true individuality, so that it may more quickly be disposed of and eradicated from consciousness.

An explanation of error's nothingness helps the individual to discern its unreality and powerlessness to hold him in bondage. He sees that error is no part of his true being and learns to separate himself from it. The recognition of man's at-one-ment with the Father and consequently his separateness from evil, or error of every sort, heals both sin and sickness.

The injunction to rebuke error or to explain its nothingness should not be construed to mean that one has the right to criticize or condemn his fellow men. Too often men are prone to criticize and condemn the faults of others, but they neglect to turn the searchlight of Truth upon themselves. Legend has it that there is an old Indian proverb which says, "Before you criticize your brother, walk first in his moccasins for a while." We should emulate the compassion and understanding this suggests and remember that the standard of divine Principle is not a rigid rod to use in condemnation or criticism of those who do not measure up to it. Principle is Love; and the only reason for exposing error to another is to help him destroy it.

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"WHAT WE MOST NEED"
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