His "gracious words"

M. ELIZABETH FLANNIGAN

ON one occasion Jesus, returning to Nazareth, the city where he had been brought up, entered into the tabernacle and began to read from the Scriptures. His understanding of what he read, and his clear manner of explaining it, astonished his listeners; and it is recorded that they wondered at his "gracious words," saying, "Is not this Joseph's son?" Knowing him only as Joseph's son, associating him in their own thoughts with environmental limitations which they considered ill-suited to produce refinement of manner or graciousness of speech, feeling that culture was a question of birth or scholarly attainment, his listeners were astonished at the poise and self-possession of Jesus; and so they wondered at his gracious words. A Bible dictionary gives this definition of the word "gracious": "A divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life." This was, indeed, the graciousness which Jesus knew and manifested, and of which his listeners' religion, made up of forms and ceremonies, could take no cognizance. And this is the graciousness which comes instinctively to every true follower of the Christ, and which is emphasized and reemphasized throughout the teachings of Christian Science.

David explained the secret of his greatness in these words: "Thy gentleness hath made me great." And our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, has left many similar messages for our guidance in graciousness. On page 514 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" she says, "Tenderness accompanies all the might imparted by Spirit;" and in "The First Church of Christ Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 247) she tells us, "It is not a stern but a loving look which brings forth mankind to receive your bestowal,—not so much eloquence as tender persuasion that takes away their fear, for it is Love alone that feeds them."

In Christian Science, lack of graciousness can no longer be excused on the plea of disposition, saying, It is not my disposition to be gracious, or affable; or, I am naturally quick tempered and outspoken; or, My environment has made me thus and so. Whatever limitations may be suggested, or whatever false conditions mortal mind may have tried to impose, the Master's life is an inspiration to prove that "a divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life" is true culture, and can be attained by all who will open their hearts to this "divine influence" of Truth and Love, as now offered to the world through the study and demonstration of Christian Science.

According to one dictionary, the word "disposition" means "a predominating bent, constitutional habit, mood, or tendency." In Christian Science we come to know that we are free to accept or reject false predomination and distasteful habits; and with God's help we can overcome bitterness, resentment, envy, jealousy, and every other mood or tendency which would try to shut out the divine influence in our hearts. We can also be healed of quick temper, unjust criticism, snobbishness, and other haughty, unchristian mannerisms, until at last we shall reflect in our lives only gracious thoughts and words and deeds. In Miscellany (p. 188) Mrs. Eddy gives us instruction to aid us in our victory over false tendencies. She says: "When it is learned that spiritual sense and not the material senses convey all impressions to man, man will naturally seek the Science of his spiritual nature, and finding it, be God-endowed for discipleship."

Christian Scientists, in their ministry for sin-sick and starving humanity, cannot strive too earnestly for this graciousness and tenderness of thought, speech, and action. In our prayer for graciousness let us imbibe the spirit embodied in the words of Thomas Toke Lynch:—

Gracious spirit, dwell with me;
I myself would gracious be,
And, with words that help and heal,
Would Thy life in mine reveal;
And with actions bold and meek
Christ's own gracious spirit speak.

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