It’s been evident recently that there’s a growing concern about toxicity in various forms and in public life. Fears range from toxic chemicals and substances, whether in the environment or elsewhere, to harmful influences such as unhealthy relationships, adversarial political dialogue, and negativity on social media. Many professionals across the spectrum of health care deeply desire to see toxicity addressed more effectively, and it’s vital that we more conscientiously understand and practice the Christianly scientific method of neutralizing it.

The Bible has numerous examples of how looking to God and following His direction can overcome such destructive elements, including toxic thinking. Moses, for instance, was able to cleanse the bitter waters of Marah by following God’s guidance, in order for the Hebrew people to have a clean water source at that locale (see Exodus 15:22–26). For another example, King Saul was furiously jealous of young David and sought to kill him. In the face of Saul’s betrayal, jealousy, anger, pride, manipulation, and thirst for power, David, through his closeness to God and his pure motives, was continually protected (see I Samuel 18–26). And Jesus spoke of protection from corrupting influences. He advised his disciples to beware of the impure teachings of the Pharisees. And later he assured them that if those who genuinely followed the teachings of Christ—anchored in the allness of God, Spirit—encountered or imbibed something poisonous, they wouldn’t be harmed. He said, “They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them” (Mark 16:18).

These examples challenge us to enlarge our sense of just how powerful God, divine Love, is. Mary Baker Eddy, a devoted student of the Bible who became the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, gives a window into this divine protection from threats, no matter what form they take. She explains in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “Understanding the control which Love held over all, Daniel felt safe in the lions’ den, and Paul proved the viper to be harmless” (p. 514). She also assures the reader, “Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you” (p. 571).