HOW true are these words in Psalm 133 (verse 1): "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Through the revelation of Christian Science this statement can be demonstrated.
Many who are introduced to the teachings of Christian Science begin at once to learn how to use them in order to overcome physical, mental, or financial problems. As they progress in their study, they find it necessary to accept the fact of their true relationship to God, and to know, with gratitude, that man exists as the perfect image and likeness of God, expressing all that is good and harmonious. Then they are progressively awakened to see that false beliefs, which had been causing them suffering, had no real place in their experience, for, as God's reflection, man is at one with the forever-operating divine law of infinite perfection and completeness.
True relationship is allied with unity, oneness, coexistence. And we are told in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy (p. 202), "The scientific unity which exists between God and man must be wrought out in life-practice, and God's will must be universally done."
It is always helpful to contemplate the scientific unity of God, divine Mind, and its manifestation; good to gain a clear consciousness of the relationship of God, divine Principle, and His ideas. It is good too to be conscious that the love of God is eternally present, ever active, ever capable of meeting all human needs. As we understand the unity of God and man, a relationship which already exists as a scientific fact, we are able to prove day by day more of our oneness with Spirit, God, and with His spiritual ideas.
Everyone would undoubtedly agree that there is a great necessity for more harmony in families, in churches, in relationships with friends, and in world affairs. So often we appear to be faced with strife in the world thought, misery in human affairs, misunderstandings and misrepresentations, and we ask ourselves, "How may the needed harmony be brought about?"
To all who are receptive to her revelation of Truth, Mrs. Eddy is showing the way to harmony. In her writings is found the answer to every human problem. Here the true way to live and to work is clearly shown. Spiritual guidance, spiritual direction, and spiritual protection are realized as present for all to enjoy.
In keeping the Commandments and understanding and yielding to the government of the one Mind, God, in their daily lives, Christian Scientists see the power of right knowing bring its own rich reward into their relationship with others. They love each other and include in this love all with whom they have to deal. As this kind of living is magnified, it gives hope that a better manifestation of true brotherhood may be expressed everywhere.
When marriage is contemplated by a student of Christian Science, the chapter in Science and Health on this subject is a valuable one to study. In the marital relationship it is necessary that spiritual qualities be cultivated. The union will surely be blessed if each partner has spiritual desires, high hopes and aspirations, and the willingness to recognize the good expressed by each.
The way to avoid trouble in marriage relationships is to be awake to the presence of God, divine Love, and His perfect control of His creation, and to be alert to reject the pitfalls which claim to attack and to destroy happiness. Discord is usually based upon some form of personal sense. Domination, self-will, egotism, selfishness, and lack of appreciation and interest often cause distress. When such errors are evidenced, there is a need for living love.
We always rejoice in proofs of the presence of the healing Christ, and much could be told of difficulties in human relationship problems that have been solved through Christian Science.
A husband and wife were faced with much inharmony in the home. Because of her husband's actions, the wife felt she could not endure the relationship any longer and, for the sake of their child, contemplated separation. However, with the help of a Christian Science practitioner she faced the situation bravely and lovingly. As a result of the conscientious metaphysical work which was done, the error which caused the inharmony was brought to the surface. Christian Science was seen to present the right and only way to work out this problem. Trust in God resulted in the unfoldment of the right way to proceed and brought out clearly the right step to take.
The husband saw his mistake, expressed deep regret, and was ready to make amends. The wife saw that she must rely upon divine Love to enable her to forgive all the suggestions of suffering which had been experienced as a result of his conduct. The outcome was a complete healing. Christian Science is now being loved and lived in that household, and their child is a joy to his parents and to all who know him.
Sometimes in the relationship of parents and children the sense of personal pride and personal possession brings strife and suffering. Readiness and willingness to accept God as the one and only creator enables parents to find the right ideas to entertain and also enables them to see and correct the wrongness of holding on to a personal possessiveness.
When parents release their children to God and claim for them spiritual attributes, they find much joy in their relationship. They see that their children are being fitted to become useful citizens and to take their right places in the world.
Most of the difficulties arising between nations and peoples are founded on wrong beliefs of relationship. Pride of place, pride of power, self-assertiveness, unwillingness to recognize the good in others, must be healed. Mrs. Eddy tells us how this may be accomplished. She writes in Science and Health (pp. 469, 470), "With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science."
We see, therefore, the necessity for keeping paramount in thought the true idea of relationship. The only way of establishing true brotherhood is through the acceptance of man's oneness with or inseparability from God's family, which He governs and controls with His own perfect law.
Do we desire to demonstrate spiritual unity with infinite divine power? Are we striving to prove our coexistence with omnipresent Love? Have we forsaken reliance upon person or personal sense for satisfaction, contentment, and joy?
We truly find complete happiness as we consistently demonstrate our true relationship to God, divine Love, and in this way help all with whom we may have to deal. Our homes become the abiding place of Love. Our church work is enhanced. We acknowledge our families and friends to be God-controlled and God-protected. The spiritual thoughts we express in our immediate surroundings are founded on our understanding of God's allness.
As we give to God all the glory and all the power, and thank Him for our oneness with His divine allness, the very minutiae of our human affairs are proportionately blessed. Thus we prove the words in Job (22:21), "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee."
