Article November 23, 1974 Issue

Gratitude—Don't Leave It Out

RICHARD HEMBA

Christian Science demonstrates that spiritual healing is natural. Regardless of the problem confronting us, however severe it may appear or however long it claims to have existed, we never have to wait in order for God to help us. Throughout all eternity God is conscious only of Himself and of His perfect children. As we become receptive of this truth and apply it specifically and thoroughly to any difficulty, healing is immediate.

What looks like protracted or labored healing often results, at least in part, from our reluctance to yield to the truth always instantly available. Freedom from limitation is man's divine status. If, then, we habitually find doubt exceeding expectancy, fear inhibiting joy, or a belief in delayed healing challenging our right to ever-present harmony, our metaphysical work might lack some requisite. And the missing element could be gratitude.

Prayer without gratitude for God's love is barren. Failure to express gratitude may stem from a too feeble understanding of its highest nature. Gratitude is appreciation of good. As a healing grace, however, it is not something we exercise only in times of need in order to prove our worthiness to receive aid from God. Genuine gratitude is no servant to whim. On the contrary, it should abide with us always; and every moment of our lives should attest that it does. In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes succinctly: "Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech."^{Science and Health, p. 3;}