St. John, who was a close follower of the Master and is known as the beloved disciple, stated plainly, "God is love" (I John 4:16). James, another disciple of the Master, said of God that He is "the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning," from whom comes "every good gift and every perfect gift" (James 1:17). Herein was shown the immutable nature of divine, creative Love, indictative of Principle, rather than person.
Anyone newly approaching Christian Science finds himself almost immediately challenged by the question, "What is God?" So very much is said and written about God and His power and presence and the practical way these are demonstrated in Christian Science that the student must necessarily seek to clarify his concept of God in order to follow and understand the teachings of this Science. Usually the term Principle, as applied to God, early begins to take on a great deal of importance. The term is found in the definition of God given on page 465 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. Throughout her writings Mrs. Eddy frequently uses the words "divine Principle" as descriptive of God's nature and essence. This understanding of God as Principle becomes a sure staff upon which to lean. The exactness of its nature indicates justice and integrity. Principle demands undeviating honesty and conscientious action under every circumstance.
As the newcomer to Science progresses in his study, the Scriptural records of our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, reveal the depth of tenderness and compassion displayed in his healing work for mankind. Jesus once said to Philip (John 14:9), "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father," and he was continually showing forth the nature of the Father, whom he so fitly represented to be divine, unchanging Love. This was evident in the unfailing patience with which he taught his disciples and in the compassionate tenderness with which he healed the sick and the penitent.
