Be it a Christian or someone who is simply a little curious about Christianity, we all have our moments of doubt. Times when we wonder whether God really loves us, or whether he even exists. Unfortunately, over the years, too many have placed a heavy burden on those curious about the Christian faith.
The one and only foundation of Christianity is the truth of who Jesus is, and what he has already done for us. Jesus is the son of God, who came down to earth to die for all our sins – past, present, and future – so that we are forever righteous in God’s eyes; in order for God to be forever at peace with us; to give us absolute assurance of an eternal life of joy in heaven. By accepting Jesus as your lord and saviour, you are forever righteous, loved and cherished by God, and certain of a blissful and eternal life with him in heaven. Not because of anything you have done or can do, but because of what he has already done for you.
Jesus has already done everything for you. It really is that simple. No formula, no works, no rules or regulations, no day-to-day assessment of your performance.
Whilst watching The Passion of The Christ on Good Friday a few weeks ago, I was struck by a particular scene in a way I had never experienced before. It is the scene in which Jesus, after falling for the umpteenth time whilst carrying the cross to Golgotha, is helped up by his despondent mother. Despite the unbearable torture and agony, he says to his mum, “See mother, I make everything new again.” I have watched The Passion of The Christ every Good Friday for the past ten years or so, but this was the first time I recognised something so fundamental to who Jesus is. For although he was being tortured, tormented, insulted, ridiculed, and in the most excruciating pain, all he could think about was how he was making things right and good for you and me. Despite all he was going through, he was excited and joyful about what he was doing for us. It was all that mattered to him. Not his pain, not grief, not who he was or what was happening to him. That is how much he loves you. All he cared about was you. That is who Jesus is. No burden on you to be or do anything. Just Love and Compassion. And that is who God the father is.
‘Whoever has seen me has seen the father.’
John 14 vs 9
One of the most sorrowful days of my life was when the coffin bearing my late mother’s body was brought to our family home a few days before her funeral. Due to living abroad at the time, I hadn’t been able to spend her final days with her before she died; and as such, the reality of her death had yet to sink in. But upon seeing her body, the finality of her passing hit home with a ruthless brutality. It was a heart stopping moment of grief and shock. So much so that I after a few seconds, I slipped away and made my way up the staircase, heading in the direction of my dad’s room, desperate for some comfort and assurance. But as I approached his room, I suddenly came to a halt, stricken by a grief so acute that my feet could no longer move. As I cried in the corridor, I could see him, but he couldn’t see me. He was sitting on a chair with my uncle beside him. As tears rolled down his face, he said to my uncle, “How are the children doing? Is someone with them?”
I will never forget those words. Regardless of how he felt in that moment, his only concern was the welfare of his children. Just as yours would be too. And yet, my late father, just like your father and mother, was only human. Imagine how much more concerned about your wellbeing our father in heaven, who is perfect in both love and compassion is. Indeed, there is no comparison.
Jesus is Love
God the father is Love
Christianity is and should always be centred on who Jesus is – Love, Forgiveness, Tolerance, and Compassion.
No matter what you’re going through or how you feel, be rest assured that God is right there with you. Furthermore, he has already made a way to get you through it.
Over the coming months, I will be writing for those who are curious about Christianity. If you know people who are curious about the Christian faith, or people who for some reason have been put off Christianity, please forward my upcoming messages to them.