War has erupted in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas, fighting over land that both claim as their own. What plays out politically and militarily is yet to be seen, but in the meantime, I pray for higher views of spiritual reality that contribute to peace in that part of the world.
One truth I find encouraging is to look at land from a spiritual point of view.
If two parties believe they need the same parcel of material ground as their own to exist, the stage for perpetual conflict has been set. But if land is viewed spiritually, everything changes, for in Spirit there are no limits. There is enough substance, or “land,” to go around for everyone.
With God, the most important “land” to occupy, is Love. God is Love, the sum and substance of all true goodness that matters the most over the long run of eternal Life.
Love generates understanding, patience, compassion, forgiveness, kindness. Love is of one Mind, the Mind of God. Love resolves troubles, dissolves misunderstandings, finds creative solutions, brings many together into one. There’s always room for everyone to live and thrive in the land of Love.
Hatred, violence, malice and revenge have no place to claim in the land of Love. They are evils which Love terminates.
The Holy Land of Love. That’s the land on which differing parties on earth can come together and find common good to share and celebrate.
Fighting over material land will cease as humanity understands the most important possession of all is not a material piece of ground, but an understanding of how to live Love.
Understanding Love inspires people to live peacefully with each other, and shows them how to do it.
Thank you Evan.
Shalom Salam Salam Shalom
Thank you so much
Thank you Evan .
Ye shall know the truth and the truth will make you free. MBE
This is truly the answer that can bring peace to all! Thank you so much for this sharing!
Thank you for this. We are stewards of our consciousness. We can pray acknowledging only the truth of Love. I have to believe that there are more aligning with love there and everywhere before this violence started. I heard there is a woman devoted to peace always working with her Palestinian neighbors among the hostages. May she be a beacon of peace
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God our creator, we are family.
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally!
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
(Hymn 521)
Thank you Evan for the comforting and wise message.
HYMN 44 invites us to “come to the land of peace “. There are some good thoughts to pray with in the second verse. Also in Adam Dickey’s article Possession, he reminds us that the earth is the Lords.
Janet I also immediately thought of the the great article ‘Possession’ by Adam H. Dickey when Evan mentioned praying about “land” from a spiritual viewpoint. It appeared in June 1917 CS Journal. The link I have opens only partially. Perhaps someone who is able can kindly provide the full link so all can partake.
I also had the thought that land is similar to home, the place where we reside. Home, spiritually understood represents our consciousness, which is wholly spiritual, infinite, full of only good and could not cause pain or conflict between the loved children of God.
Thank you all so much for pure, inspired thoughts shared here lovingly.
Here is a copy of the article mentioned above.
https:// .christianscience.com/issues/1917/6/35-3/possession
Thank you Paul. Unfortunately that link to the article “Possession” is like the one I found, it only seems to show the first few paragraphs, unless one is a subscriber.
https://journal.christianscience.com/issues/1917/6/35-3/possession
Any help? Thanks.
Would this link work for everyone ?
https://journal.christianscience.com/shared/view/as5902ikgw?s=copylink
Along with you, I discovered Truth found in the article “Possession” which I shared with others at church. The discovery was heart warming, on – point, and when applied, “healing”. I agree with the reminder, that “the earth is the Lord’s” and we abide there in peace.
I am distressed and distraught by Middle East events. Thank you Evan for your posts which remind me how I should be thinking and that correct righteous thinking will help – there can never be too much love and as James says “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”
(James 5:16 The). I sometimes think that my little voice/thought can’t make any difference but then I am reminded – by an angel message – of Mrs Eddy”s quote of Wendell Phillips, “one with God is a majority.” (Mis. 245:29).
Thank you Evan and all SpiritView family. How blessed I am by SpiritView.
Thank you for keeping me on the right track, today and every day.
Thank you Evan for the last few days Spirit View thoughts and guidance as we see so much anger, turmoil and cruelty in our world. There can be no doubt that your headline ..seek the land of Love is our ultimate goal whilst praying for our brothers and sisters in conflict.
2 things came to mind today as Jesus realised the plight of a mortal man
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 6:27-28: said whilst on the cross.
And …Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
‘ His arms enfold me, and mine and ALL ‘ Love to everyone .
We need to live Church. Church is not a
building.
Thus the statement read each week in Church,
Is needed in thought.
“Undivorced from Truth (Love, no separation)
uncontaminated and unfettered, (by any lie, error, untruth) and divinely authorized.”
God is in control of His universe, Love’s universe.
The only universe
This is a divine proclamation., protection, Love sent for everyone, to see, understand, and feel.
Thanks Evan, and all, See you in Church today,
everyday.
Church. The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principles. The Church is that institution (thought) which affords proof of its utility
and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick. (Sinning) Science and Health.
I hope I adding words for emphasis is not overstepping. I used the, “Undivorced” statement once before. It is a favorite to keep in thought.
Thank you for this beautiful uplifting view on healing conflicts which seem to have no solution., but with God, we know all things are possible. Evil is not person,
& God’s man is not a victim. Hatred is “rooted out” by divine Love, omnipotent Mind, All can know “God’s Law of Adjustment” prevails.
Thank you for this, Evan, I am sharing it with our Gentle Art of Blessing Facebook group.
“I bless us in our openness to the cosmic energies pouring onto our planet to help us towards the next stage of planetary evolution as we slowly leave the dimension of materialism, conflict and separation to move to higher dimensions of harmony and growing oneness….Where there is discord or conflict on the material level, may I proclaim the love that unites us as one.” Pierre Pradervand
Thank you Manuela for sharing this perfect quote from Pierre Pradervand. I too am a fan of the wonderful book ‘The Gentle Art of Blessing,’ having first heard about it a few years ago here on SV.
Thanks!
Thank you once again Evan and all wonderful contributions.
JESUS CHRIST prophesied all of this in Matthew 24.
WE MUST STAND FIRM WITH GOD.
“Land” certainly must be seen as a spiritual idea — and God as infinite divine Love — not a corporeal being. This correct view would help resolve this whole hateful situation, as Evan pointed out. Mrs. Eddy identified the root problem many years ago, when she wrote: “The eastern empires and nations owe their false government to the misconceptions of Deity there prevalent. Tyranny, intolerance, and bloodshed, wherever found, arise from the belief that the infinite is formed after the pattern of mortal personality, passion, and impulse” (S&H 94:12). The one and ONLY God is the infinite, inexhaustible divine Principle, Love. Being Principle, Love is impartial, universal; it doesn’t pick sides, but blesses everyone. “Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way” (SH 454:18-19) to a lasting solution. Let’s insist on the power and presence of God, divine Love, and know that all of God’s ideas are receptive to the Christ, the spiritual idea of God.
Thank you, Evan for sharing your strong, prayerful thoughts with us. I’ve been thinking about how Abraham and Lot were able to settle the land question when their herdsmen were fighting. “We be brethren,” was Abrahams answer to Lot because God had shown him that He had already provided more than enough land for all to share. There is room for all, so it wasn’t hard for Abraham to say if you go west, I’ll go east, etc. He knew God doesn’t give to one and not another. “Love is impartial and universal in its adaptation and bestowals.” I’m praying to know that there is just One Mind, One divine Parent who provides abundantly and lovingly for all of Her children. No one is left out. Evil isn’t included in divine Mind- hatred has no kingdom. It is fruitless, baseless. Love is Supreme. I’m praying for comfort for those who mourn and for an end to this senseless violence. Thanks again❤️
Thank you Evan and all. I was led to look up the definition of new Jerusalem-Divine Science Science, the spiritual facts and harmony of the universe; the kingdom of heaven, or reign of harmony. John saw it. So can we. We do see this in many ways every day.
Hymn 148-In heavenly Love abiding, No change my heart shall fear; And safe is such confiding; For nothing changes here. The storm ( war) May roar about my heart May low be laid,; But God is round about me, And can I be dismayed?
My prayer…Let us all know that Divine Love embraces the good in all creation and leads the way to compassion, respect, peace and brotherly & sisterly love.
H harmony
O of
M Mind
E everywhere
https://journal.christianscience.com/shared/view/20bxw4l22cq?s
I would like to offer the ideas in this article which I have turned to often.
Thank you Desert Girl for one of the best articles on the subject! A sense of self (self ish ness) as material and mortal forces one to hold on to things and places as “Mine!” like children defending their toys or space or seat or other property. Spiritual sense relinquishes the notion of finite property, replacing it with our real heritage and kingdom. MBE says, (Mis. 318) “Mine and thine are obsolete terms in absolute Christian Science, wherein and whereby the universal brotherhood of man is stated and demands to be demonstrated.” We can acknowledge our shared gifts. Deuteronomy 10:14 tells us who really “owns” all good: “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.” And Jesus referred us to this–“Thine is the kingdom…” We can pray “have we not all one Father?” (Malachi 2)
We can work to replace “mine” with “Thine,” a corrective to limited, finite perspectives. The father in the parable of the Prodigal says to the elder, resentful son, “all that I have is thine.” The real enemy of both sides of the battle is fear of finiteness.
Thank you so much for this article Desert Girl. I haven’t come across this one before and have saved it for another in-depth read again later. Much helpful spiritual clarity shines through even with one read! BarbaraUK.x
Excellent article Desert Girl. Thank you so much for sharing it,
All of these wonderful thoughts are so comforting and appreciated.
Such an unlimited expression of divine Mind and Love. Just letting
them all sink in with the root of Love being so insightful and the
base of healing discord of any kind, Really. We are so Wonderfully
blessed with these Wholesome Truths to ponder.
I appreciate these helpful messages so much that Evan inspires us
with and we branch out with on our tree of growth, helping to heal
a world that is craving for such peaceful thoughts.
Whomeverr does the searching for the graphics which adds to each
message so beautifully, also, deserves our deepest appreciation. They
always bring home the intended message with such clarity and Love.
Today’s awesome rainbow reminds me of the heavenly blessing after
the storm – the world seems to be facing these days. Ark came to mind.. :
Mrs. Eddy’s Glossary definition in Science and Health: Safety; the idea, or
reflection, of Truth, proved to be as immortal as its Principle; the understanding
of Spirit, destroying belief in matter. God and man coexistent and eternal;
Science showing that the spiritual realities of all things are created by Him
and exist forever. The ark indicates temptation overcome and followed by
exaltation”.
Safety in God’s Loving protection includes all of us, here, in the Middle East,
around the globe.. everywhere in the universe of Love. God’s rainbow is the
promise on the cloud.
I did a word search on War & Peace.
We definitely want to be at peace first within ourselves, in our own consciousness.
This consciousness of peace which stems from our creator is meant for all humanity, without exception
Thank you Evan for good reminders and proper prayer.
Hi William. Happy to know you found the article valuable. I always greatly appreciate your comments too.
“Next year in Jerusalem” by Barbara-Jean Stinson:
https://journal.christianscience.com/shared/view/7z4f5rb4gg
As I was praying this morning and pondering the thought came to me that when a storm was raging Jesus paid no attention to the disciples’ distress about the situation but commanded the storm saying PEACE, BE STILL! and the storm stopped. Thank you for this helpful blog.
Thank you Evan for your loving, inspired, healing ideas that contribute to peace in the Middle East. We can all be confident in knowing that our prayers are effective in neutralizing and destroying conflicts, large or small. Through the teachings of Christian Science, and our spiritual sense, we know that the harmonious kingdom of heaven is here, – the only reality of being,- and that in this realm there is no overpopulation, no competition, no sense of separation from good, and no waring, sinful beliefs of hatred or violence. God’s ideas are of One Mind.
We can all know the truth, and humbly pray to reverse and eliminate the evil beliefs that contradict true spiritual sense. One belief that seems to be increasingly playing out on the human stage is what Mary Baker Eddy termed moral idiocy. The atrocious, barbaric war crimes acted out by terrorists attest to the severe moral decline and moral idiocy of it’s actors. As Evan said in his comment yesterday, “sin has to be uncovered, exposed, handled, and then it can be destroyed.”
This brings to mind a paragraph in Misc. Writings where Mrs. Eddy states “The mental stages of crime, which seem to belong to the latter days, are strictly classified in metaphysics as some of the many features and forms of what is properly denominated, in extreme cases, moral idiocy.. I visited in his cell the assassin of President Garfield, and found him in the mental state called moral idiocy. He had no sense of his crime; but regarded his act as one of simple justice, and himself as the victim. My few words touched him; he sank back in his chair, limp and pale; his flippancy had fled. The jailer thanked me, and said, “Other visitors have brought to him bouquets, but you have brought what will do him good.” pg. 112
What a beautiful illustration of how pure divine Love restores innocency to man, and in turn peace to the earth.
In trying to keep fear from creeping into thought, with violence and disharmony in the
Middle East and also so close to home, in rereading the beneficial thoughts above and
from Mrs. Eddy’s S & H pg. 96,
“The material world is even now becoming the arena for conflicting forces. On one side
there will be discord and dismay; on the other side there will be Science and peace. The
breaking up of material beliefs may see to be famine and pestilence, want and woe, sin,
sickness and death, which assume new phases until their nothingness appears. These
disturbances will continue until the end of error, when all discord will be swallowed up
in spiritual Truth”. … and this Hymn # 179 ties in with understanding that I am trying to
hold dear to,
“…Love frees from error’s thrall-Love is liberation…Love’s way the Master trod;
He that loves shall walk with God. Love is the royal way…
Love now is dawning over every nation; Showing true brotherhood,
publishing salvation, Love bids all discord cease,
Conquering hate, enthroning peace, Love, Love alone is power”.
Thank you Carol for your comment SH pg. 96 and the wonderful hymn # 179 which I also love very much, and which is so very comforting in these times: “Love, Love alone is Power”. Yes, we know that it is the Truth!.
Thank you Evan and everyone!
Yes, Beatrice, the link above works. Thank you so much. I just read it quickly and will
study it more in depth over the weekend. It has great thoughts to ponder. Thank you again
so much for sharing the link with us and thank you to Paul for the original mention of it.
PS. Sorry, I forgot to thank Rose for the original, original thought of it. LOL
Looking back now I see that Janet was the first to mention it. Thank you, Janet.
Well, anyway, Thank you All! : )
Lol Carol, thanks for taking the time to acknowledge all of us. And to Beatrice for giving that full link, appreciate it!
Years ago the CS Reading Room put out a pamphlet entitled “Posession”, I don’t know if there are still any left in circulation , but I believe I still have one . If anyone is interested perhaps I can make a copy and email to any interested.
Also wanted to share this information. . Last Wednesday at our Branch church service a member shared this testimony. A number of years back she and her husband were traveling in the Middle East . They were in Israel at a Christian Science church. . The first Reader lived in Israel , a Jewish man. The second Reader was a Palestinian and lived there. He apparently left very early every Sunday morning so he could get through “the check points “. It was very important for him to be there at his post every Sunday and Wednesday. The two men were the best of friends and prayed together to know only Love and harmony existed between the two countries .. ..
Chris thanks for the heartwarming story you shared about the first and second readers at the church in Israel. That is the true picture of what God knows about the harmony between His children.
I just finished rereading the Possession article. It certainly does cover every aspect
of what the world seems to be facing today, even though it was published in 1917.
I love the clarity of which it was written and describes so easily-to-grasp the meaning
and the Truth about life, “things”, health. I especially liked the reference to mathematics
and how math figures can never be limited or run out of. What a great concept to
remember how God’s expressions are also unlimited and everything that God created
is eternal in its Goodness. I had to chuckle when I read about the “servants” in the
household, for I have always and continue to be, the “servant”… the one doing the doing.
LOL The customers I had would come up on the weekends and their gardens would be
beautiful… “magically done” as they would describe it. Although it was often very hard work, I
had always enjoyed “working” with God’s loveliness in floral expressions and mostly had the
estates and peacefulness to enjoy and the responsibility of dealing with weather, elements,
bugs, munching animals, etc… I prayed that God was in control to keep his creations perfect
in Mind and Being, for which they were.
Your comment, Chris, above is very interesting. Thank you for sharing. I remember those
little greenish/blue pamphlets and I think I still have some of them, too.
Carol, I just loved your last contribution, as well as the work which you did. Where were you working, and who were the customers who would appear/travel/arrive there on weekends? Bless you for enjoying “working with God’s loveliness in floral expressions and at estates filled with peacefulness to enjoy and the responsibility of dealing with the rest of the chores. . .being blessed knowing that God was in control, ALWAYS. Possibly most CS Reading Rooms have the pamphlet tucked away on a shelf or in a drawer. Mine came from my mother’s collection after she no longer needed it. For me, it clearly shared the Truth in proportion for me to understand what our world is facing.
Thank you, chilesands for you delightful response. I was working with Love … all the way
throughout those years that were quite a while ago. Actually most of the customers, that
I still know of, have passed on to “greener pastures”. Their places were so beautiful and it
was lovely enjoying the vast nature surroundings and they were peaceful and beautiful. It
was a labor of Love helping God with His gardens and making others happy.
It is interesting that you mentioned the pamphlets coming from your mother’s collection.
Mine were also. Btw, I love how her students used to call Mrs. Eddy, Mother. That always
seemed so endearing and tenderly warmhearted. Love is here and everywhere, even though
we may really question the understanding of things sometimes.
Dear Evan, thank you very much for this wonderful spiritual interpretation of “Land” into “Land of Love” whereby I understand with LAND the land of the whole earth, of the spiritual endless earth, peopled with countless ideas wandering around joyfully; so in that sense Mrs. Eddy puts it!
I find the “Lord’s Prayer” very relevant and helpful to pray for the Peace on Earth.
As I remember the Bible says in the sermon on the mount after his disciples asked to teach them to pray, that Jesus gave his disciples that prayer which meets a l l needs! And that is the Lord’s Prayer!
I am thankful for the articles, some commentators gave us the link to, and I cherish all your inspired comments, dear SpiritView friends! 🙂
O, I just remember that Mrs. Eddy said that in SH p. 16: 7-11.