Editorial July 18, 2016 Issue

Divine Love’s infinitude—a blessed basis for rebuking sin

Lyle Young

I think it’s safe to say that when most people get together with friends, sin is not the preferred topic of conversation. Rebuking sin is probably even less preferred. But the infinitude of divine Love gives a strong basis from which to rebuke sin, not as a person but as a supposition, and so to bring freedom and joy.

“A Rule for Motives and Acts,” which Readers read in Churches of Christ, Scientist, on the first Sunday of each month, says in part, “In Science, divine Love alone governs man; and a Christian Scientist reflects the sweet amenities of Love, in rebuking sin, in true brotherliness, charitableness, and forgiveness” (Mary Baker Eddy, Church Manual, p. 40). I like to think of those “sweet amenities of Love” as being graciousness, kindness, magnanimity. Only expressing such divine attributes enables us to rebuke the supposition that is sin and so bring about reform.

You rebuke sin by understanding its nothingness. Infinite God, divine Love, through divine law, maintains each individual as His perfect image and likeness, always manifesting His sinless nature. Jesus showed Love’s infinitude and the sinlessness of true identity. He proved that beyond human appearances, each of us is holy and free, and that this truth redeems the sinner.

Send a comment to the editors

This is the end of the issue. Ready to explore further?

Online features Audio