The human family is universally concerned with relationships. And in these relationships, problems may arise, whether involving a parent, a spouse, a child, a special friend, a business associate, a teacher, teammate, fellow church member, government official, or a foreign country. Maintaining a harmonious relationship with everyone is highly to be desired but difficult to achieve—if we judge by the record of human history. As for a "perfect relationship," highly improbable if not outright impossible, most might say.
But not when one goes back to the basis of all harmony, the basis of true relationship—man's already-established, permanent, and perfect relationship to his creator. This, Christian Science teaches, is the basis for bringing about harmonious human relationships: the recognition of man's full and complete relationship to God as image, idea, manifestation, child, cherished son.
Every Sunday in Christian Science churches throughout the world the first three verses of I John, third chapter, are read, including the statement "Beloved, now are we the sons of God." What wonderful benefits this sonship bestows! It gives man full access by reflection to the unlimited intelligence of the Mind that is God. As we come to know and reflect this Mind, each of us can act wisely and perceptively toward others—knowing when to speak up and when to pray quietly; when to forgive and forget and when to seek changes in attitudes and behavior; when to hold on in a situation and when to let loose.
