Article June 26, 1954 Issue

PATIENCE IS NOT PASSIVE

MILDRED JASMINE JORDAN

Patience is often thought of as a passive quality, like resignation under affliction, uncomplaining endurance under repeated misfortune, forbearance toward the shortcomings of our loved ones, and so on. But it is a cause for rejoicing that any meaning of patience that indicates resignation to evil, rather than overcoming it, is not recognized as a virtue in Christian Science. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy states (p. 515): "Patience is symbolized by the tireless worm, creeping over lofty summits, persevering in its intent."

Many great characters have overcome exceptional hardships in their careers. For instance, Bach, considered by some the greatest musical genius of all time, had to surmount many obstacles to his achievements. But he persisted in overcoming, and he learned that "genius is nothing but a great aptitude for patience."

The quickening quality of patience is a necessary characteristic of all spiritual progress. It is shown in the mother love that labors unfalteringly to bring out goodness in a child. True patience always carries faith in the possibility of achieving some worthy goal; and in submission to a lofty purpose it calmly walks over petty obstacles.

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