If my self-worth hinges on getting good grades, being a “good” person, or excelling in every task, what happens when I fall short? When I make a mistake, fail at a task, or simply don’t feel “special” on a given day? This performance-driven mindset is a recipe for self-condemnation.
Perceiving the kingdom of God is a combination of the Holy Spirit revealing its mysteries and an individual’s willingness to see and hear with spiritual eyes and ears. Our spirit and our minds are interconnected.
In its original meaning, righteousness meant a right relationship with the covenant of God that led to loving others as oneself and doing good in order to lead others into the same right relationship with God.
We are created “in the image of God,” reflecting divine qualities like creativity, reason, and moral capacity. This “image” isn’t about physical resemblance but about our inherent value and the responsibility to care for creation. We are given dominion over the earth, not for exploitation, but for wise stewardship and compassionate care.
The results of this systematic analysis show that nonviolent resistance is more than twice as effective as violent approaches in achieving intended goals. Based on a large dataset spanning over a century, their study demonstrates that societies experiencing periods of violent conflict, even when successful, tend to suffer from increased social unrest and instability in the aftermath.
Harvey Deutschendorf shares how intimate, trusting relationships where one can openly share hopes, fears, and experiences are particularly valuable. Building strong connections involves actions like listening, being supportive, keeping commitments, and showing genuine interest in others’ lives. Overall, investing time and energy into meaningful relationships appears to be more rewarding than pursuing material wealth when it comes to finding contentment and joy in life.
Then along came a Samaritan. In a shocking twist, it is this individual, a member of a community ostracized and despised by the Jews, who stops to offer aid. He doesn’t hesitate; he simply sees a fellow human being in dire need. He embodies radical empathy, transcending the rigid social boundaries that defined his society. And this Samaritan’s response is Jesus’ answer to the man’s question, “And who is my neighbor?”
Focusing solely on outward actions misses the true nature of sin. We can meticulously follow rules and regulations, but if our hearts remain unchanged, we’re merely masking the problem, not addressing its root cause. This is why Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They were obsessed with external purity while neglecting the inner state of their hearts.
If God is genuinely transforming our lives, if our values and actions are shifting because of our faith, shouldn’t that be something worth talking about? I’m not talking about those awkward door-to-door pairs in matching outfits, forcefully shoving their beliefs down your throat (yeah, that’s a hard pass).
The word “helper” used in Genesis 2:18 to describe Eve’s role in relation to Adam has often been misinterpreted as implying inferiority or subservience. However, a deeper look at the biblical context reveals a much more empowering and complementary picture.