When serving as a speaker for the Christian Science Board of Lectureship, I learned many valuable lessons about communication while speaking to hundreds of audiences around the world.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned early on was that I would receive from my audience what I gave them.
For instance, if I expressed self-righteous views in the form of “What I think is better than what you think,” there would be pushback. Vibes, questions, and comments would come back in the form of “What I think is better than what you think!” And there would be tension in the air surrounding the event.
So, I learned to closely examine my thoughts ahead of time and be sure that I was expressing only unqualified, unconditional love, not self-righteous points of view. And the results were marvelous. I would receive the same love and respect back from my audience that I showed to them.
I would still share unique differences between Christian Science and other teachings, but I would share in the spirit of “This is what Christian Science teaches,” and then trust that every audience member expresses the one Mind of God that readily discerns the truth of all things. I strove to keep human will, opinion and any type of self-righteous judgment out of the conversation.
I find the same rule applies to personal relationships. We get what we give. When we give respect, honor, and appreciation, we receive it back again. There are exceptions, of course, as there are in all human circumstances. But as a general rule, it works. The integrity, respect, honor, and goodwill we carry in our heart and express with our words, brings the same out of others around us.
In Mary Baker Eddy’s interpretation of the verse in the Lord’s Prayer, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” she writes, “And Love is reflected in love” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 17).
Let sincere and genuine love flow from your heart toward everyone you meet. You’ll find it coming back. Love is reflected in love.
Dear Evan, You have a wonderful way of being humble, thoughtful, loving and kind and explaining Christian Science in an understandable way. Thank you so much for all of your efforts. ❤️
Todays message is so important in light of Paul’s teachings that we are all one in Christ..There is one household and it is the household of God where are are bothers and sisters in Christ.
I love this line from today’s message, that everyone “…..expresses the One Mind of God that readily discerns the truth of all things.” That is powerful to know that our humble prayers and spiritually correct thinking can be felt and understood by those around us, near or far. Why? Because we all share in the Mind of God, the one Mind of Love. To trust that frees us to leave all in His care and lifts burdens of personal responsibility.
Also, Evan says, Give what you wish to receive. That’s the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I find this true at my job, interacting with customers from all over the country and the world in a large retail environment. On my way to work I sincerely pray for and bless all of them and pray to know I can be a vehicle to express God’s good. And I do see the warmth, smiles and appreciation coming back at me during my day.
Evan proved the following statement in the Bible.
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)
We probably all have experienced this is some way in our own lives. . But we give without expecting for anything in return, but just because it is natural to share the good we have from God which is unlimited.. It is also natural for us to respond to a loving gesture by another loving gesture.
A verse from a loved hymn comes to me: which includes the words:
“Give of your heart’s rich overflow”
Come, walk with Love along the way, / Let childlike trust be yours today; / Uplift your thought, with courage go, / Give of your heart’s rich overflow, / And peace shall crown your joy-filled day. / Come, walk with Love along the way.(Christian Science Hymnal, No. 139:3)
Maggie, gracious thanks for sharing those words from HYMN # 139:3 found in our hymnal, Those words take on special meaning, for a special occasion to share your comment with a family member, but as you’ve share them, I will benefit from them by sharing them as I need to GIVE. . . THANK YOU
Dear Chilesands, I love this whole hymm, it is really one to take with us all the time. How lovely that you can share it on a
special occasion wih a family member.
May blessings of Love pour upon you all.
Love this, Maggie!
Very inspiring post. Thank you.
Thank you Dear Evan….we are the loved of Love and should express it at every opportunity.
Divine Love meets every human need…MBE….on so many church walls I believe.
Thankyou Evan, This is Spiritual food for thought. every day is a treatment. such a Blessing, Thankyou so much! and to SV FAMILY for all your Inspirations! love to all
Thank you for sharing your experiences, dear Evan. Your insight
is so helpful and appreciated.
Love this! Such a practical message. Very inspiring responses. Love the concept that we are all members of God’s household.
Thank you Evan and everyone.
Thank you, Evan.
Your writing today sparked the thought, and then recognition that if I am not reflecting Love, then I must be deflecting Love.
Ouch ! I am the self-glorified one of which Mary Baker Eddy writes in Miscellany, “intelligent thinking untainted by the emotionalism which is largely self-glorification…”
Thank you for the course correction.
Thank you Evan for sharing this lesson and to all for their added enlightening comments.
BTW, I remember attending one of your lectures and it was excellent! You even inspired someone who attended with me to look into taking class.
Thanks for the sharing. “Man is idea the image of Love” and God’s man knows how to love.
At one time I was concerned that my expression of friendliness might be misunderstood and I was reminded that there is no personal sense of love, that the Love I expressed is governed by Mind, intelligence and that God does not say here is Love, but be careful how you express it. With this insight I have felt more confident in my expression of Love and receiving of Love.
“Nothing Personal” By William Suddaby. From the July 17, 1976 issue of The Christian Science Sentinel:
https://sentinel.christianscience.com/shared/view/114crgvun5k?s=copylink
Thank you, Evan, for this timely message of love.