What do we think of suffering, in the light of Christian Science? Is there something to be gained from evaluating it scientifically?
Divine Science destroys both our pain and pleasure in matter on the basis that they are unreal because God, Spirit, is All and includes all. Science reveals man to be in his primal and permanent state now, reflecting the infinite, perfect nature of God, good, and never touched nor affected by the vulnerable and destructible personal senses. Evil, in whatever form of materiality, can be overcome successfully by an understanding of these truths. Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health, "Either here or hereafter, suffering or Science must destroy all illusions regarding life and mind, and regenerate material sense and self." Science and Health, p. 296;
There may be times, however, when we are tempted to view our experience as dominated by suffering. We may feel locked into a seemingly unsolvable physical or personal problem, or weighed down by frustration and discouragement, even self-condemnation, over chronic errors. The answer is to cultivate a deeper and broader appreciation of Love's purpose and presence in our lives, to recognize God's closeness and care. Actually, what seems to be a time of suffering can be a time of great progress toward comprehending spiritual reality—unselfing, purifying, and elevating one.
