The nine that didn’t show gratitude were healed, their leprosy stopped. But only the one who turned back to Jesus with gratitude and glorified God was made whole. At first it felt like a subtle point, but now I see it is a huge distinction that being healed is not the same as being made whole, especially if the disease you’ve been afflicted with caused the loss of parts of your body.
I am so grateful to learn this, and to understand that when Jesus said, “thy faith hath made thee whole.” he was referring to a living faith. As we’ve read in previous lessons, James said that “faith without works is dead” and perhaps the simplest offering of living faith is “to acknowledge the divine Principle which had healed him.” If you aren’t thankful for effect, there’s no way you can appreciate God as cause.
James also said that “faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” After a Wednesday testimonial service I definitely do not feel alone! What a wonderful way to reinforce that showing gratitude for a healing is the path away from being alone toward becoming whole. I am so grateful to learn that being alone—living without God—was a lie, that there was never any truth to it. I am grateful for Christian Science showing us how to stop the “denial, ingratitude and betrayal, arising from sensuality.”
Florence
737 posts
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Location: n.a.
04/07/2014 11:32
Re: thy faith hath made thee whole
To be made whole MUST include moral regeneration,as well as the acknowledgement of Spirit,Truth's presence and supremacy.
The nine can be likened to some who rely on healings alone as a sign of their devotion to Christ-Spirit. This leads to such comments as "but I've always had quick healings" during those times when healing is prolonged because something more is required; as if the healings are what proves one's spiritual growth.
A T M
404 posts
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Location: n.a.
04/08/2014 10:15
Re: thy faith hath made thee whole
I see 9 lepers returning to their vomit without any interest in what healed them.
One returned to Jesus and offered sincere gratitude, perhaps asked a question and walked with Jesus. He was made whole...the healing was complete and would not return.
Do I desire to know and love the Principle of CS more than the fruits and blessings CS brings?
Gary
431 posts
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Location: n.a.
04/08/2014 10:31
Re: thy faith hath made thee whole
Do I desire to know and love the Principle of CS more than the fruits and blessings CS brings?
A good test is, "Do I love my brother enough to want to help?" and do I recognize Christian Science as the only way I really can?
