Article January 11, 1982 Issue

The basis of true friendship

THOMAS RICHARD MITCHINSON

Christian Science gives one a wonderful understanding of the foundation of true friendship. As followers of Christ Jesus, we must act on his command to love one another.^{See John 15:17.} True love for others stems not from the sense of them as wealthy or good-looking or intelligent mortals but rather from the realization that each is actually God's perfect reflection.

What made John, Peter, and the other disciples leave their jobs and follow Jesus? It was the Christ that he demonstrated. Mrs. Eddy defines "Christ" as "the divine manifestation of God, which comes to the flesh to destroy incarnate error." ^{Science and Health, p. 583.} Jesus realized that everyone is in truth God's child and therefore the inheritor of His goodness and abundance. Reflecting God, man has only good—no evil. As we see those with whom we come in contact in this way, we too will be demonstrating the Christ and its attracting power.

A love or friendship that has such a foundation lasts, no matter what ups and downs may come. This standard of caring is the rock, of which Jesus said: "Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." ^{Matt. 7:24, 25.} As we build on the rock of Truth, we will be unafraid if storms of jealousy, pettiness, or selfishness arise. As Jesus did, we can say with authority to these storms, "Peace, be still" ^{Mark 4:39.} and let Christ, Truth, bring healing.