"Am I my brother's keeper?" Gen. 4:9. Christian Scientists are called upon to answer this question practically. In addition to their duty to mankind in general, many Scientists have a duty to members of their families or close friends who may not be of their religion. One needs to be especially wise and understanding in helping these individuals according to their desires when they are faced with distressing problems.
While the teaching of Christian Science does not ignore evil, it does direct that with few exceptions Christian Science treatment should be given only when it is requested. What, then, is the loving but wise attitude to have toward relatives or friends and their problems when they are in our care?
Is not the challenge first to set our own thinking right? We need to see that we are governed by the realization of the all-ness, the omnipresence, and omnipotence of God. When we are convinced of the allness of God and the spiritual perfection of man in His likeness (and we become so to the degree that we strive to live in accord with these truths), we are prepared to view correctly our brother and his problem. From this spiritual basis it is not difficult to separate in our thinking the mistaken material beliefs about him from the divine facts and to watch that we do not agree with the errors. This is not treating another individual. It is keeping our own thought clear as to what is true and what is untrue.
