In Isaiah 26:3, it is written, ‘You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.’
Since our first selfish act, we have learned that hope, accompanied by action, is a powerful response that surpasses discomfort or pain. Hope is an essential element highlighted in 1 Corinthians 13:13, which states, ‘And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.’
In 1 Corinthians 2:14, it is made clear that those who are disconnected from the Spirit of God cannot grasp His wisdom, as it seems foolish to them. It says, ‘The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.’
Standing firm in Christ’s teachings, we should embrace a selfless and giving attitude, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 9:7, ‘Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’
Hope, being more potent than pain, guides us towards discovering our identity, embracing truth-seeking institutions, and finding grace, faith, and mercy through Jesus. Developing a relationship with God through Jesus is the key to truly knowing Him.
In John 12:29-32, we witness Jesus responding to those who heard a voice from heaven, clarifying that it was not for His sake but for theirs. He declares, ‘Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all[sin] to myself.’
We should not compromise our faith, as it leads us astray. Our reliance lies in grace and faith through Jesus, for no person can earn their way to God.
The teachings in Romans emphasize that salvation cannot be attained through the blood of animals but rather through the blood of Jesus, who obtained eternal redemption for us (Hebrews 9:12). Romans 5:13 further explains that sin existed even before the law, but it was not counted against people until the law came.
It has been over 6,000 years since Adam and Eve, and yet there is still wonder and anticipation for the truth that Christ brought to us nearly 2,000 years ago. Galatians 3:19 sheds light on the purpose of the law, which was added because of transgressions until the promised seed (Jesus) came.
God is love, and there is no deception in Him. Let us not judge others based on external appearances, for as John 8:15 reveals, Jesus proclaimed, ‘You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. It is written in your own law that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me. Then they asked him, ‘Where is your father?’ ‘You do not know me or my Father,’ Jesus replied. ‘If you knew me, you would know my Father also.'”
Let go of guilt, shame, and doubt. Don’t condemn yourself, for no one of importance to you would do so. Embrace God’s love for all of us, which surpasses our own capacity to comprehend. It is a personal journey, and God will not force Himself upon you; you must desire to know Him. Remember, the only way to relate to God is through Jesus; there is no alternate path. Trying to include everyone goes against Scripture, as we must not add or subtract from its divine message. Through grace and faith, we receive from God; we do not create Him.
Rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have received reconciliation (Romans 5:11-12). Do not be passive in your relationship with God; allow your heart and His Word to guide you in knowing Christ within you (John 14:6). Acts 4:12 emphasizes that salvation can only be found in Jesus, as there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
Having witnessed the truth and reality of God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we can confidently state that in Christ, we understand where we have been and where we are going. In Christ, you can be united with us.
