Early one morning, this gentle message came to thought while I was getting ready for the day: “Christian Science is not bravado.” Bravado is not a word I’m accustomed to using or even hearing very often. I was intrigued, and Googled its definition on my phone. This is what I found: “a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate.” This expanded in my thought to “Christian Science is not bravado; it’s love!”

This happened right about the time last year when the pandemic hit a new level of urgency where I reside. I thought about the fact that the qualities of flexibility, compassion, and humility would be key in silencing divisive opinions and viewpoints that might arise in the coming months. Whether for individuals, businesses, organizations, or government officials, these qualities, valued and lived, could help counter any action stemming from self-interest or bravado.

As a student of Christian Science, I took this angel message as divine guidance for the manner in which I was to behave, following Christ Jesus’ example by humbly imbibing the spirit of the Christ and expressing pure love for God and man. Christ Jesus was motivated by God’s love as he mingled with others. He was never driven by a desire for personal power, to promote a selfish agenda, or even to impress others with his healing works. He was demonstrating the Christ-power derived from the understanding of his relationship to God as His beloved Son. This equipped him with dominion in the face of challenges, but never through human willfulness.