The truth is, opportunities to show love to the Creator of the universe are woven into every aspect of existence. We express it through our love for our fellow beings, our care for the animals and the planet, our deep-rooted gratitude, the daily practice of the fruits of the Spirit, and our gentle surrender to divine transformation.
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.
As we actively cultivate the fruits of the Spirit, we find ourselves increasingly capable of a deeper, more meaningful love for God and others, a love that transforms our lives and relationships.
We’ve prioritized intellectual doctrine over practical application, turning us into armchair theologians instead of disciples. We become experts at pointing out sin, but struggle to extend the kind of love Jesus modeled.
By centering our discernment on God as revealed through Christ, we gain a deeper and more personal understanding of what it means to test everything and hold fast to what is good. Does it align with God’s character, his promises, and his commands? Jesus is the perfect image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15) and the clearest expression of God’s love, grace, and mercy.
The purpose of emphasizing a broader understanding of sin is not to condemn or overwhelm us with guilt. It’s to remind us we all need God’s grace and a humble heart. Sin is like a disease that affects our hearts and minds, distorting our perceptions and hindering our ability to love others as God loves us.
In essence, faith or belief should lead to transformation through a process. Our value systems, which in turn govern our behavioral systems, should undergo continuous and ongoing transformation, albeit this does not imply that everything changes instantaneously. If a belief is truly genuine, it cannot stay dormant in our mind but must emerge as part of what we believe.
Deconstruction holds significant importance for the church as it allows for growth, authenticity, and a more vibrant faith community. The process of deconstruction challenges long-held beliefs, traditions, and practices, thereby inviting people and the overall body of Christ to examine and reevaluate our understanding of God, scripture, and the Christian faith.