Editorial November 21, 1988 Issue

A time to rest, a time to rise up

Michael D. Rissler

There comes a time when healing quiets fear and calms the worry and confusion of human thought. Rest comes. It's not unlike the comfort a parent gives to a child who has been frightened by a bad dream. Waking to the presence of one who gently, tenderly reassures that all is well is very special indeed. It reminds us, perhaps, of a statement in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, where she writes, "Tenderness accompanies all the might imparted by Spirit."^{Science and Health, p. 514.}

The Bible gives many illustrations of tender comforting, sympathy, and gentle words of patient care. But there are other times when we need to rise up, to aggressively challenge false beliefs that would blind us to the infinite wisdom and power of divine Love. The Bible gives many illustrations of this tender care as well. For it is tender; the prayer that heals is moved by divine Love to rouse human thinking out of its malaise and often half-thought-about belief that we are separated from God's mercies and omnipotent truth. The prayer that heals sickness and overcomes sin is not weak or resigning. It is full-fledged faith that life is of God and must accord with His purpose and nature.

In an article entitled "'Where Art Thou?'" Mrs. Eddy writes: "Because I have uncovered evil, and dis-covered for you divine Science, which saith, 'Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good,' and you have not loved sufficiently to understand this Golden Rule and demonstrate the might of perfect Love that casteth out all fear, shall you turn away from this divine Principle to graven images? Remember the Scripture:—

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

Christian Science heals