Most people tend to shy away from a fight because conflict is unsettling, discordant, and often destructive. But there is one kind of fight that is good; it is a conflict inspired by a growing understanding of man's relation to God.
As we begin to know God in all His goodness and realize that we are made spiritually in His likeness, the evil in human consciousness stands out in harsh relief, and we are impelled to do something about it. The one Mind, or God, knows nothing about the ensuing struggle to oust evil, because He is good and has created only good. Even through the dream of evil's actuality, His allness promotes and supports our efforts to be free. Therefore the struggle need not be grim or terrifying. Mrs. Eddy writes: "The honest student of Christian Science is purged through Christ, Truth, and thus is ready for victory in the ennobling strife. The good fight must be fought by those who keep the faith and finish their course. Mental purgation must go on: it promotes spiritual growth, scales the mountain of human endeavor, and gains the summit in Science that otherwise could not be reached,—where the struggle with sin is forever done." Miscellaneous Writings, p. 41;
Many are familiar with the Bible account of Jacob at Peniel. Jacob had wronged his brother, Esau, and fled from Canaan to escape Esau's revenge. After many years in Haran, Jacob heeded a message from God to return to his native land.
