Article June 6, 1977 Issue

Expressing the Christ-spirit

The Comfort That Heals

FRANCES L. GREIG

Every human heart is yearning for love and comfort in one form or another. Yet, even when we are endeavoring to watch our thoughts and keep them in accord with Christian Science, we may overlook the need for tenderness, compassion, and a desire to comfort others. We may slip into just making cold, scientific statements of Truth. Christ Jesus, on the other hand, lived love. And he commanded his followers to "love one another." John 13:34; Christian Science teaches that to bring healing, the letter of metaphysics needs to be accompanied by selfless love and compassion, the spirit and inspiration of the Christ.

It is often right and necessary to make clear, firm statements of Truth when talking to someone wanting and needing healing. But even at these times it is well to give some tender word of comfort. Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health, "The tender word and Christian encouragement of an invalid, pitiful patience with his fears and the removal of them, are better than hecatombs of gushing theories, stereotyped borrowed speeches, and the doling of arguments, which are but so many parodies on legitimate Christian Science, aflame with divine Love." Science and Health, p. 367;

One may have the desire to comfort and yet fail to do so despite the compassionate love in his heart. What else is needed? The spiritual discernment and wisdom that enable one to understand where the individual is mentally—what his particular need is, what he is ready for at that moment. Then one knows where and how to reach him and comfort him.

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