Purpose: To stimulate the student in his realization that the all important thing in his life is Love to God and to his fellow men.
It is necessary to know fundamental truth in order to live a well-directed life. This basic truth, Omnipresence, has been considered in the two preceding chapters. It is necessary to know the method of attainment, and this was given in the preceding lesson. However, there is still something that is necessary. We may understand both the philosophy and the psychology of Divine Science, and yet, if this be held as purely intellectual knowledge, it is not satisfying; we long for something more. Faithful practice of the principles given in these two phases of Divine Science brings to us the realization of the third phase, which is Love, the religion of Divine Science.
Religion, the realization of Love, brings richness, beauty, joy; it is true and abiding companionship with all there is; it gives us ability to serve with power, as well as to meet every human need, every soul hunger.
We usually interpret Love as conscious unity. Another satisfying interpretation is, “Love is out-streaming good-will.” We may think about God and our fellow men in just the right way, without realizing this out-streaming good-will which is the essential in every relationship. Such a man will be called good, just, and upright, a man of fine character; but he has missed the very essence of life, the feeling of oneness, of companionship with God, and the joy of cooperation, of companionship with his fellow men. This man cannot evidence power in what he does; nor does he call forth love from others. A person of this sort is good but he is lonely, He has missed the secret of companionship and power.
An understanding of the principles of life is necessary; it is also essential to practice these in right thinking and right living; but it is religion, the realization of love, the warmth which glows through every experience, that truly blesses and uplifts.
If one is trying to progress without learning the meaning of God-Love, he is trying to tread the path without the light of day. If one is trying to preach, teach, or heal, without embodying in his thinking and living the never failing Power, Divine Love, he is but sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.
Love is the supreme gift; it is the kingdom of God within us.
“God is Love, and he who dwells in Love, dwells in God, and God in him.”
Jesus gives two commandments: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Paul sees that “Love is the fulfilling of the law”; that, above prophecy, above the understanding of mysteries, above knowledge, faith, and deeds of charity, is Love. To John who loved most was given wonderful visions of Truth.
Love is the only way to realize Truth, Life, Self, All. A pure fervent love for God is followed by love for all.
Not love for one alone,
But man as man thy brother own.
--Goethe.
Let us practice love in our thinking and in our doing.
Is there a dreaded task ahead? Let us delight in service.
Is there suffering? Let us know that Divine Love is the healing Presence.
Is there limitation in any way? Let us know that God is abundance and that God is Love; Love shares its abundance with all.
Do you know anyone who is fearing or disliking another? Know that there is blessing and perfect forgiveness.
