But I say unto you which hear. Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you. bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.—Jesus.
The greatest need of the hour is that we may understand these words of our Master, and obey them more perfectly. Experience finds us face to face with deeper problems every day, which can only be solved in one way—the way which returns blessing for cursing. We have pondered this commandment with a pure desire to be obedient, and have tried to be faithful in following all that it requires of us; but an ever-increasing demand is made upon us, calling for still higher proofs of our fidelity to the Love which is divine, the Love which "never faileth," the charity which "suffereth long, and is kind," the mercy which "endureth forever." The true Christian Scientist knows that his enemies, so-called, more than his friends, bring the experiences through which his life becomes more and more consecrated to God. Betrayed, forsaken, having lost all that life, according to mortal sense, holds dear, we fall at the foot of the cross, asking with a broken heart and a contrite spirit for aid and light. In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," page 365, with insight, born of the compassion which Jesus manifested, our beloved Leader touches this stage of human woe in these tender words: "The poor suffering heart needs its rightful nutriment such as peace, patience in tribulation, and a priceless sense of the dear Father's loving-kindness;" and where as in Christian Science shall we find that which binds up the broken-hearted and heals the sick? In the hour of our great extremity we cry unto the Lord, and as Christian Scientists we are able to say with the Psalmist, "and He heard me." "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." We awaken from the dream of pain and anguish to the understanding of God as ever-present Love, and the stricken heart is comforted at last. We recognize the Friend who in changeless Love watches over us, and guards us until we reach in safety Life's rest within the veil. We stand on the threshold of God's universe, and behold man in his image and likeness. Then it is that we pray for those who have misunderstood us, and those who have driven us to seek God's help by giving us the cup of grief to drink to its dregs. Then it is that we pray in sincerity and Truth, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!"—and we forgive as we hope to be forgiven. A great love fills the heart for God and man. In thought we turn lovingly to those who have seemed to be unjust and cruel, and we yearn to meet and greet them in the Promised Land—the Land of Christian Science, where we shall know as we are known. We remember that Jesus bore insult and lifted not his voice to defend himself. Hatred may still pursue, injustice may seek to overwhelm us, but the student of Christian Science waits in patience for the precious promises of the Bible to be fulfilled, praying ceaselessly to reflect more of the Love which enables him to return good for evil,—the Love which is to bring "on earth, peace, good-will toward men." In restful, hope he waits, knowing that He who hath promised is true, and that Christian Science—pure and undefiled religion—is to unite all hearts in everlasting Life and Love. In "Miscellaneous Writings," page 253, Mrs. Eddy asks, "Do the children of this period dream of the spiritual mother's sore travail through the long night, that has opened their eyes to the light of Christian Science?" The children of this period are learning to understand their gentle Leader's sore travail, and the chastened heart o'erflows with gratitude to her for her tireless service in Christ's Cause. Her sweet self-offering upon the altar of divine Love is known to them, and deeply appreciated. They love her, because they understand her, and they love to be her faithful friends, With her they stand, striving to be faithful to God and man,—faithful to Jesus' command, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."
