Article October 13, 2014 Issue

Offering love’s cup freely

Patricia Hardee

When we see a neighbor or loved one being seduced by sin, enslaved by addiction, or threatened by disease, we naturally long to speak the truth that will set him free. And with loving intent, we share Christian Science. Our expectation is that someone in need of healing will welcome this sharing with gratitude and a desire to know more.

But what if our offering is resisted, maybe even resented? We can remember that Christ Jesus said, “Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).

Jesus’ instructions to preach the gospel and heal the sick are well supported in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. In the chapter “The Apocalypse,” Mrs. Eddy writes: “Millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, and never fear the consequences” (p. 570). It is from the study of the Bible and Mrs. Eddy’s writings that we gain the inspiration for offering that loving cup and learn that we need not suffer the consequences of false responsibility for how our communication is received.

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