Editorial April 9, 1977 Issue

The Basis for Forgiveness

Geoffrey J. Barratt

The French have a saying to the effect that to understand all is to forgive all—a thoughtful observation on relationships.

We can find in Christian Science the soundest basis for forgiveness: the spiritually scientific understanding of the real man, which, when we admit it, aids us in being more forgiving. From the point of view of this Science, man is the manifestation of God, not a mortal who can cause injury or be the object of dislike or misunderstanding. Apprehending and applying Christian Science, we go further than blotting out of thought those who we believe have been unjust to us, or simply tolerating those we feel are antipathetic to us. Science shows us the way to love that is demonstration of the Love which is God. This love is different from, and far in advance of, a mere willingness to put up with someone who has used us badly.

To try to love someone while still seeing him—or oneself—as a mortal, personal entity can never fully succeed. Such an approach is mistaken. Mary Baker Eddy tells us in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures: "A wicked mortal is not the idea of God. He is little else than the expression of error."^{Science and Health, p. 289;} Should we be finding it virtually impossible to love another, this indicates we should be turning from the mask of material personality to true spiritual identity. True identity, the expression of Love, is irresistibly lovable. And as we adopt such a position, we are encouraged in it and sustained in it by divine Love. A scientific approach lifts us above merely trying to love a mortal we see as wicked to the spiritual vision of man as Godlike reflection.