In answering a question as to her method of healing the sick, Mary Baker Eddy writes (Rudimental Divine Science, p. 8), "Be honest, be true to thyself, and true to others; then it follows thou wilt be strong in God, the eternal good." In our human relationships the degree of our success in expressing our true selfhood as sons of God measures the good we express toward our brother.
Admonition to be true to himself was given a student of Christian Science who had endured severe denunciation at the hands of an angry associate. This denunciation was a new experience to the student, who had never believed he could submit to such a tirade of abuse without retaliation. After the ordeal the student wrote to a Christian Science practitioner for help and guidance. A postscript added, "I cannot find it within me to love that man."
The practitioner's prompt reply set forth a verity which was especially thought-provoking: "If you find it impossible to love that man, you must at least love yourself enough not to hate that man." This helpful counsel has remained with the student throughout the intervening years. As he awakened to the fact that his true, spiritual self could not hate or be the object of invective, the sense of animosity toward his associate disappeared. This was a signal victory for the student. In returning evil for evil, one obviously would be true neither to himself nor to his fellow man. In expressing misanthropy, one would fail to identify himself as the offspring of God, who is infinite Love.
