Article April 6, 1974 Issue

Compassion Helps Heal Immorality

BETH NEWTON SAVAGE

Several years ago we had a young woman visit our home. I had known this woman previously, but I was not prepared for the picture she presented. Her manner was rude. She was experimenting with drugs and dating a married man.

What was my reaction? Not a very good one, I must admit. I was shocked, and perhaps a bit self-righteous. It was quite some time later that I realized how negative, limited, and unhelpful my reaction had been. Christian Science shows us how to take a positive healing stand when confronted by the claims of sin—whether in ourselves or others. It shows us that evil is never in fact real. The Bible records no incident of Jesus carefully avoiding sinners. In fact, he was often criticized for being "a friend of publicans and sinners." Matt. 11:19;

It may be helpful to recall Christ Jesus' reaction to the immoral woman who sought him out at Simon the Pharisee's house. According to Luke, Jesus was at dinner when the woman, a harlot, came to see him. She showed open affection and reverence for him. Simon wondered to himself why Jesus did not perceive her immoral background and ask her to leave. Jesus' response, however, was quite different: a detection of her repentance and desire for purity, a full forgiveness, compassion, and blessing. His only words to her were, "Thy sins are forgiven....Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." Luke 7:48, 50;

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Are You a Wise Bird?
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