In life, there comes a time when you ponder whether you’ve truly surrendered to the grace of Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or if every decision you make aligns with the heavenly calling you strive to uphold.
When you engage in heartfelt conversations with someone who feels lost, perhaps a friend or a family member, and they express their struggles with sin, you may hear them say, “I see someone who has repented greatly, yet the temptation to indulge in wrongdoing remains strong. Each time I resist, evil whispers in my ear, labeling me, condemning me. I feel helpless because every time I do something good, it’s like I’m haunted by a voice telling me to give up. I’m lost, and I don’t see how this will ever change.” This scenario serves as a poignant example of a situation you might encounter, or perhaps, one you’ve experienced yourself.
What does this signify?
It reflects the essence of being human. Whether you battle with the urge to succumb to the darkness of sin or grapple with condemning voices within, it’s crucial to understand that you are not alone in your struggles. You may feel inclined to judge yourself harshly, believing that every impulse or temptation defines you as demonic or unworthy. However, it’s imperative to recognize that these struggles are not unique to you alone.
The pivotal point lies in how you respond. Whether you’re tempted to commit acts of sin or tempted to judge others harshly, whether you’re steeped in pride or consumed by greed, you possess the power to seek and strive for righteousness, much like Jesus exemplified in His earthly ministry. Embrace His teachings, follow His footsteps, reflect on His words, and embody His actions so that Christ’s presence in your life becomes evident to those who may not yet know Him, those who may not yet hear Him amidst their own turmoil, and those who may not yet see Him amidst their own darkness but long to be guided into His light.
Thus, every moment you spend here on earth is not merely a time for self-indulgence or self-condemnation but an opportunity to seek reconciliation with God and with one another. Jesus entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation, affirming that we are His ambassadors in this world. Therefore, our mission is to reconcile humanity with God, to extend grace and forgiveness to those who have strayed, to comfort those who mourn, to proclaim the good news to the ignorant, and to encourage one another in love and unity.
Let us embrace our responsibilities as Christians: to nurture souls and foster love. Jesus imparted to us the ministry of reconciliation, reminding us that we are His instruments of peace, His messengers of hope, and His vessels of love. As we embark on this journey, let us be guided by the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22) For it is through these virtues that we reflect the essence of Christ’s teachings and embody the transformative power of His grace.
