As long as I can remember, I have read testimonies of Christian Science...

As long as I can remember, I have read testimonies of Christian Science healing illustrating the spiritually close relationship between God and man; but I never really believed these amazing things could ever happen to me. Although I put much effort into my study of Christian Science and sincerely tried to demonstrate these truths in every problem, the results were to me only vaguely gratifying.

Then I began to notice that I was thinking more about altering human experience into what I desired than using the divine facts which when applied would themselves bring about the righting of experience. About this time it was recommended that I take daily, one by one, the qualities listed in the Bible in Galatians (5:22, 23) and make each one my own: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." I could see that this assignment was so specific in its demands that I would be compelled to concentrate on it, thus making my growth in spiritual understanding sure and rapid.

So I threw myself into the exercise. With hindsight I can see that I was so busy learning about and living out these Godlike qualities (because I really did want to prove I possessed them) that I did not have any concern for what I could hope to get out of it humanly.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

November 18, 1972
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit