Christ Jesus gave his disciples this commandment: “Love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Many things could be said about the nature of this love, but one clue to the love he is asking for can be found in the words of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science, to a member of her household. When asked, “Do you love me?” she replied, “I just love. As the sun just shines, I just love” (see Irving C. Tomlinson, Twelve Years with Mary Baker Eddy, Amplified Edition, p. 225).
This type of love is universal love that pours forth as a gleaming expression of divine Love. One insightful description of this Christly love can be found in an article in the archives of the Journal titled “The simplicity and profundity of Love” (“Principle” and “Love” are used as synonyms for God): “While love is not without the warmth and joy of true affection, it is far greater than mere personal feeling. Love can have no competitive thinking or desire for monopoly, nor can it be swayed from Principle. . . . Tender, gracious Principle is not expressed in love at one time and not at another, nor in love for one and not for all; it remains Love and acts as love under all circumstances” (Mary Sands Lee, September 1941).
This is not a limited love or affection. Personality-focus is not involved. And some might be tempted to think that this impartial love might be less satisfying, maybe less comforting, than the love that favors some people over others.
