Article July 22, 1985 Issue

Spiritual truth and love: oil on troubled family waters

VIRGINIA T. GUFFIN

In some families things run smoothly. In others family peace is threatened when members find themselves bickering, even blaming, criticizing, and belittling each other. In such circumstances one might well say, "How can I love my life when I'm shown so little respect and consideration and affection?" The temptation is great to cave in to anger or to fear and defeat. But there is another option: turn to God in prayer.

Through prayer we begin to realize that we're not helpless. A power greater than all the arrogance, pettiness, or selfishness is with us. That power is God. And God is good, available to all and loving all impartially. His assurance comes to us just as it did to Joshua: "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."^{Josh. 1:9.}

God's purpose for each one is good. No person or power can prevent God's goodness from being seen and felt when we prayerfully acknowledge that man, God's expression, is the true identity of everyone. God is Mind, and we can listen quietly for the strengthening ideas of truth that enable us to meet with courage and inner security whatever would obstruct the peace He gives. He imparts the wisdom we need for knowing how to handle others' belittling or berating comments. Many times in such situations the best thing to do is to quite and to insist silently on man's undeviating perfection as the reflection of God—and then to go on as though nothing had happened. But if divine Mind leads us to say or do something to correct the situation, we can turn to that same divine Mind for the tact, strength, humility, and sometimes even humor, to be gracious as well as firm in what we say and do.

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