"I just love. As the sun just shines, I just love." These were Mary Baker Eddy's words of reply to a member of her household, who asked her, "Do you love me?" (Twelve Years with Mary Baker Eddy by Irving C. Tomlinson, p. 172.) Before quoting these words, Mr. Tomlinson writes of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science: "An entire volume might be written about Mrs. Eddy's friendships. . . . Her affections went forth to all, and whoever responded to this love was her friend. This friendship was manifested not only in words of counsel and acts of love but in pointed, timely rebukes. Although occasionally they hurt at the moment, they proved to be a healing fire, destroying only the error."
Do we "just love" when family, friends, and business associates disagree with us or when they seem not to love us? Jesus asked (Matt. 5: 46), "If ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?" Reflecting the tender love of God, Jesus loved friends and so-called enemies. He demonstrated the highest example of perfect love the world has ever known.
Jesus taught his immediate disciples what Love is and exemplified in his daily acts the Life-giving power of Spirit. His every thought and motive was governed by divine Principle, Love, and even in his supreme test his knowledge of Love enabled him to be victorious over death and the grave. Earlier he had given this instruction to his followers (Matt. 5:44), "I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." A rich reward accompanies an understanding of this command and obedience to it, namely, "That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." To be called the children of our Father in heaven, eternal harmony, we must obey the Scriptural command to love one another.
