T-2.XII – The Mastery of Love
March 4, 2021
This section is an extension of the discussion on the basic conflict between love and fear, or creation and miscreation. It is worth restating: “The fundamental opponents in the real basic conflict are creation and miscreation. All fear is implicit in the second, just as all love is inherent in the first” (XI.10.1-2). Our miscreation is thoughts and behavior acted out from fear. They still have power, though they are ultimately not real; they are “genuinely creative acts” (XI.12:2). Because miscreation is coming from a place of fear, the outcome will be pain, hurt and destruction of some sort.
The question for us is why we would seek to master fear if it is ultimately destructive? How could we possibly benefit from such mastery? The answer may seem obvious, but the fact is that we do try to master fear and take control of our miscreation. Finding a solution to subdue or control is our normal therapeutic approach. I know this is true of myself. When I have experienced anxiety or fear of some acting out a social performance, my concentration and energy has always been placed on controlling my behavior, doing my best to not allow the fear to eek out. What this section is teaching us is that a more expedient and useful approach is to master love as a response to fear thoughts. We believe that being afraid is involuntary (IX.1:1).
We were told in the section, “The Correction of Fear” that fear must be self-controlled (IX.2:1). Jesus cannot control fear for us. When we have raised up our behavior (what we say and do) as having the ultimate importance, we depreciate our mind. We act as though what is coming out of our mouth is not ours to handle. Recall how we were also told in that previous section that we tolerate mind wandering and how bringing our mind under our own control is our responsibility (IX.5:1). Mind wandering produces miscreation. This is the part that Jesus has no control over. If we do not employ some form of discipline over our thoughts, then he cannot help us. Taking this step then is the first step in mastering love.
“In the conflict, fear is really nothing, and love is really everything” (4:3). Our way out of fear to begin to recognize it, seeing it for what it is. This type of examination should not be obsessive or neurotic, but it should be honest. We need to bring our darkness to the light. This is identified as the “true corrective procedure” (5:4). The spiritual eye (or true vision) has been discussed as the tool within us for exposing that darkness. Recall Miracle Principles 22, 38 and 39 discussed our spiritual eye being used to dispel darkness. And earlier in this chapter we were told:
All of your miscreations can disappear in the well-known “twinkling of an eye,” because they are a visual misperception” (II.13:4).
Dispelling our miscreations is synonymous with mastering love. We accept Atonement without delay (5:5). This is the purpose of time (6:2). It is also the purpose for the world we live in.
The closing two paragraphs explain that readiness is different than accomplishment. Readiness to heal others, or being a state of miracle-mindedness, does not mean relying on our own abilities, but rather being in a mental place to respond to Jesus’ or the Holy Spirit’s call to action within us. In VIII.2:1 we were warned about relying on our own sense of readiness. Here we are told that “readiness is at least an indication that you believe this [mastery of love] is possible” (10:5).
This process takes time, so we should be patient with ourselves, as the process from readiness to mastery to accomplishment will take time. In the Manual, it states:
“The teacher of God may have accepted the function God has given him long before he has learned all that his acceptance holds out to him. It is only the end that is certain. Anywhere along the way the necessary realization of inclusiveness may reach him. If the way seems long, let him be content. He has decided on the direction he wants to take. What more was asked of him? And having done what was required of him, would God withhold the rest?” (M-22.2:3-9)
Do you see how we are given permission to be content with the path we have chosen? Deep down within each of us, a choice was made on the map we would follow home to God. Trust your decision and be content that you will reach the destination. The map is in front of us and we are walking the path now. It starts with recognizing fear, taking responsibility for it (Jesus cannot do that for us). We reclaim our mind from incessant mind wandering and fear thoughts. We turn our darkness over to the light, accepting Atonement as the ultimate defense against our miscreations and fear thoughts. Our behavior then becomes controlled by God as our mind is brought under the Christ-guidance. This is a process of mastering love. As we develop, we will learn to master revelation. Many of us have only had small experiences with revelation, but it is a skill that will develop with practice and intention. Our confidence will grow as we continue along the path. Jesus closes the section with the following reassurance:
“In case this be misunderstood as a statement that an enormous amount of time will be necessary between readiness and mastery, I would again remind you that time and space are under my control” (10:7).
Suggested Practice:
I resolve to master love today.