This is an irrefutable statement any form of true religion liberates us from the shackles of enslavement not to only sin but to persons and things. This is what makes Christ different from other religious leaders. His life, deeds and teachings have one principal motive to direct men and women to God freely them from all internal or external enslavement.
Love is all that there is to life and Christian living. Hence, no matter our intelligence and knowledge of the Holy Scripture, doctrine and theological discourses on God, the Church and Christian life, faith and spirituality. If our lives do not reflect the basic empathy to relate, connect, feel or love, then all is nothing. Love is all there is in the Christian faith, life and spirituality.
A good Christian is a good citizen is the principle of Dual citizenship and dual obligations: This doctrine is sometimes called the “doctrine of the two powers,” or the “two realms,” meaning that the life of a Christian involves a twofold allegiance: to the ruling government in civil and secular issues, and to God and the Church as regards spiritual and religious issues.
One basic and undeniable fact of our Christian life is that God always calls or invites us to the feast of joy. The Eucharist and communitarian liturgical celebrations are enriching with the Word of God and the communion of brothers and sisters.
God always invites us to a life of grace, joy, and celebration. He invites us to an intimate, rich, and abundant life with Him and in Him. God´s invitation is with a wide-armed, open-hearted, and generous hospitality. That is gratuitous, full, and lavish.
The Christian life and testimony are about giving God his deserved fruits for investing richly and graciously in us. We are the choicest vine planted on a well-prepared and fertile land. We are enriched in all graces and blessings to bear abundant fruits to the glory of God.
Therefore, a Christian needs to bear fruits that last and are commensurate to the grace and blessings lavished on us. No, to bear fruits is a waste of the kingdom project of God. Hence, the greatest tragedy of Christianity is a Christian who lives a fruitless life upon all the graces and blessings God bestowed on him.
Being a Christian is not a matter of good disposition or intention to do good. It is not about answering the name Christian. Neither, it is about going to church, belonging to a pious society or organisation or even to the priestly or religious bodies. It is not an identification of wearing societal or organisational memberships or uniforms.
As well, it is not with a priestly collar or religious habit. Of course, the hood does not make a monk as the saying goes. Equally, being a Christian is not having theological, pastoral or biblical knowledge of God and the Church. Who, then is a Christian?
It is not always easy to understand the unjust generosity of God because the ways of God in not yours. Why, He is so merciful and generous with his grace. A lavish giver without measure and skilful calculation.
For many of us, life seems unfair or unjust. Covertly, we can even blame God for being unjust to us. I used to think the same way. Until recently when I see things differently. Life is not unfair or unjust. Neither, is God unjust or unfair with me or with you. I am uniquely blessed by God in a single and particular way from every human being on earth. The same way you are too.
FORGIVENESS It is imperative to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health to give and receive forgiveness. Today, there is a lot of evidence showing the connection between a lot of psycho-physical illnesses and our inability to forgive. On a personal…
The Christian Church, community, family, and religious life are not devoid of conflictual living, hence Jesus’ way to fraternal correction is fundamental. However, we must have an open mind to fraternal correction and sensitivity to others´ complaints. Community healing is through authentic reconciliation and listening to each other. In other words, a conscious, authentic and constructive dialogue is necessary for reconciliation.
Our crosses of life in Christ Jesus are indispensable and they are the only way to eternal life. Life is sweet when you live in blissfulness! Yet, the Christian is not a peaceful life without difficulties. The crosses of life are part and parcel of daily living in Christ Jesus.