Tenderness

What could bring more blessedness than the consciousness of God's tender, loving care for all His children; and how often we see this quality of tenderness expressed throughout the Scriptures! In the thirty-third chapter of Genesis we read of the meeting of Esau and Jacob after years of separation brought about by enmity. Then we are told that after his own illumination Jacob saw his brother as though he had seen "the face of God."

Well can one imagine the spiritual uplifting that must have been experienced by the brothers at this time; and yet Jacob did not forget his responsibility, under God's guidance, for we find him expressing tender solicitude for the children and cattle under his care in these words spoken to Esau: "Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure."

Here is a lesson for us all to learn. Do we, on feeling the uplifting influence of God's presence, let this spiritual tenderness be felt by those around us, or do we keep it to ourselves and imagine that we may retain it by leaving it unexpressed? It would have seemed natural for Jacob to tarry with his brother and bask in the sunshine of their renewed love for each other. But Jacob was awake to the fact that the love which had been showered on him was not for him to keep for himself alone, but to express toward others.

It is the privilege of the Christian Scientist to help on the budding thought, and a great sense of tenderness and love is needed for this ministration. The young student is apt to be overenthusiastic and to imagine that he has already reached the heights which can be gained only by scientific demonstration. It is at this point that the wise Christian Scientist will discern the need for loving counsel, and will supply that need in humility, patience, and love. It were well to read and ponder the words of Isaiah, "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." This thought, beautiful as it is when taken in its literal sense, is still more beautiful as it is when taken in its literal sense, is still more beautiful when in its true spiritual meaning. The newcomers in Christian Science need tender help, and the more experienced ones may point these younger ones to the food that is needful for them, that is, to "the sincere milk of the word."

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer Founder of Christian Science, was able to say after years of toil (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 247), "The little that I have accomplished has all been done through love,—self-forgetful, patient, unfaltering tenderness." It was through her tender leadership that The Mother Church was formed; and now this mighty organization is known throughout the civilized world. Her work is guiding us in our journey heavenward. Those needing this guidance will find it plainly set out for them in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" and her other writings.

Gratitude for our Leader can be shown only be endeavoring to follow in her footsteps, by giving out some of that "unfaltering tenderness" which she has expressed. There are many eager ones anxiously seeking the truth, and as, one by one, they are led into the fold, let us be sure that there is on our part a tender welcome awaiting them. On page 570 of Science and Health 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."

Let us lift up our hearts in prayer that these hungry ones may hear the voice of Truth and be led to partake of the water of Life! A verse of a loved hymn expresses the prayer:

"O tender, loving Shepherd,
We long to follow thee,
To follow where thou leadest,
Though rough the path may be;
Though dark and heavy shadows
Enshroud the way with gloom,
We know that Love will guide us,
And safely lead us home."

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Jesus' Example
August 17, 1929
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