Forgiveness

We live today in a society where so many people walk about with guilt. Guilt of the past and guilt of the present. The unfortunate thing about society today is that it doesn’t like to forgive or forget. This means that many people wonder around life trapped by guilt. Society does not allow them to get rid of it, so the guilt gets suppressed. This is why so many people wear masks to hide behind. In front of the mask, you can show a different person, someone free and happy. Yet behind the mask is often a person trapped by guilt. Behind the mask is a lonely place, the Beatles even sang a song about it called Eleanor Rigby.

But life does not have to be this way. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was one of forgiveness. Ultimately, all sin is against God. If God can forgive us, who can really hold anything against us? When we are forgiven, we realise there is no reason to wear the mask anymore. To be forgiven is a wonderful feeling. It is not offered by society, but it is offered by God. All we have to do it accept it.

Security

Society is worried about everything: global warming; international terrorism; global economy; personal debt; nuclear weapons; health scares; the list is endless (as the media reminds us). Every generation has new things to worry about. A few decades ago it was War in Europe. Then it was the threat of communism and the worries of nuclear war. Now we have the threat of global terrorism. On top of these, we have our own worries. Do we have enough money? How secure is my job? What will the world be like for our children?

Christianity changes our perception of life. No longer is our security in our jobs, relationships, money, possessions, law and order, global security or the environment. We put our trust in God and his son Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28). Jesus says, “So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:31-34)

Love

There are many definitions of love. Often the word love it mixed up with the word lust. Love is often portrayed as a feeling or an emotion which can come and go. This feeling which often fades and goes, leads to so many of the failed marriages and relationship problems we have today.

So many people have never experienced unconditional love. This is the type of love that is found with Jesus Christ. He loved us by paying the price for all our sins – all our lies, hatred, anger, sexual immorality, etc. Through his death we have been forgiven. This is truly an unconditional act of love. Christianity shows us that love is much stronger than a feeling or an emotion. Love is an action. The Bible’s definition of love is, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Hope

What hope is there today? Hope of a better job? Hope to get married? Hope to have children? Hope of a new house or faster car? And when we get what we hoped for – we just hope for the next big thing. It is a vicious circle. Never really satisfied. This type of hope can disappoint so easily.

Christianity offers a new hope. A hope of a new life. A new life with Christ, a life with Christ by our side while we are on earth and then an eternal life with him in heaven. A hope which does not disappoint. A hope which cannot be taken from us by anyone. A hope in which the true meaning of the word awesome can be realised.