The Power of Love

One of the most important lessons I have learned since finding Christian Science is the power of love. Love can heal any condition. The power of love is ever present and there is no place where Love is not felt. Christian Science is teaching us how to live it on a daily basis. The power of love, when properly applied, can do wonders. It works instantaneously.

In 2011, before I came to the United States, I was in Mauritania on missionary work and I had the privilege of witnessing love in action on a daily basis. Mauritania is an Islamic nation, and at the time Christianity was not welcomed. In fact, after the 9/11 attacks on the United States, the situation became very intense, and hatred and attacks on Christians got worse. But we had unfinished work that must go on. God had plans for them that must be accomplished.

One Sunday afternoon as I was coming home from church I boarded a bus. In Mauritania males and females do not sit on the same seat or rows. They sit opposite of each other with a huge space in the middle separating them. I usually carried my Bible openly. I never thought it could provoke anyone. As soon as I came onboard, they saw the Bible in my hand and became very furious and immediately requested that I leave the bus or they will throw me out. I responded no. They pointed out to me that because I was a Christian, and holding a Bible, that I was not supposed to be in the bus with them and they would throw me out from a moving vehicle. The driver and his conductor pleaded with them to calm down, but they got louder and started to conspire in their language.

While they were busy with their hateful behavior, I sat down very calmly and started to pray and refused to accept the false evidence that hate has any power or presence. I continued to remind myself about how God loves us all, equally. I reminded myself of all the wonderful things God has done among us. The work we were doing in their communities, the extraordinary people I have met. I could feel the hate starting to melt away. The light of Truth was beginning to shine through.

At this time in my life I had already found Christian Science and was very active in my study and learning of the principles of Christian Science and how to apply them. I’m sure that was what helped me, not just this time, but many times afterwards. I stood my ground and did not bow to their false claims. With the driver and conductor on my side, we told them that if anyone would leave this bus it was not going to be me, but the rest of them; or they can choose to stay and be quiet. We spoke to them very forcefully and with authority, and we meant it. At the end Truth prevailed. Hatred gave way to Love, and error surrendered to Truth.

Love does and always will overcome hate when understood, even the most severe form of hate does not stand a chance. I made it to my destination unharmed. The work of God continues. Christian Science found me at the right time, and I am very grateful for all I am learning here in the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent.