Article June 21, 1993 Issue

Destroy fear first

Great things happen when you feel the presence of divine Love.

Muriel Alma Nagle

Students of Christian Science often speak of the importance of its teachings in their daily lives. Many have found not only physical healing through their study but also freedom from stress and anxiety in their relationships as well as in their work. In the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy writes: "Christian scientific practice begins with Christ's keynote of harmony, 'Be not afraid!' " Prayer and the daily study of this book in conjunction with the Bible have shown people how to find the harmony that destroys fear.

One day I was pondering the question of fear and its effects on mankind as a whole as well as on the individual—for instance, how fear of lacking resources or land has caused wars among nations and peoples, or fear of losing place or possessions has created divisions among families and friends. It occurred to me that even the most self-assertive "brave" among us might have to deal with fear that heredity can impose certain effects upon us or with fear of what the future will bring or with fear that ill effects can result from eating a particular food or with any one of a number of concerns associated with today's world. Fear, we learn in Christian Science, needs to be destroyed in cases of sickness. As Science and Health states, "Fear, which is an element of all disease, must be cast out to readjust the balance for God."

If we are seeking healing for ourselves or others, we must first cast out fear. The Apostle John wrote, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment" (I John).

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