Article November 11, 1985 Issue

The healing power of Christly tenderness

ELVEY WILLIAM ALFRED BARTON

A tender, Christly approach to human problems and difficulties is the result of becoming aware in some degree of the all-encompassing presence and power of divine Love. Tenderness, loving gentleness, is not a quality inherent in mortal mind but is an attribute of God, divine Love. The more we reflect divine Love, the more tender and compassionate we will be with each other. This tender love is a prerequisite for the healing of humanity's ills.

Christ Jesus said in his great love for all, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."^{ Matt. 11:28.} And isn't this "I" of Jesus the radiant Christ, the manifestation of divine Love, comforting us? Jesus knew where surcease and comfort lay, and he pointed the way for all mankind. He knew and demonstrated the might, the potency, the tenderness, of divine Love.

Mrs. Eddy also knew the value and might of Christly tenderness. Her life was one of warm love and solicitude for all. This love is made evident by her consecration to expounding the teachings of Christ Jesus and by her unstinting labors to bring to the world the scientific rule of his works. In her book Science and Health, the textbook of Christian Science, she writes, "Tenderness accompanies all the might imparted by Spirit."^{ Science and Health, p. 514.}