by Michael Myron

Created on: March 25, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

As I understand it Christianity is about living today, and not just about some arcane study of our past. Christianity is about love, not authority or in wanting to control others. Christianity is about accepting others as they are, and not about judging or condemning those who may believe or express their beliefs differently.

To be Christian is to be an active member of society working towards social justice, while focusing on Christ and his message of love. Living Christ's message need not be complicated or difficult. Love God, love yourself, and love thy neighbor.

Though we all sin, God forgives our failings, ever vigilant, and loving. Having sent Jesus to live and walk amongst us, becoming one with mankind to show us the way back to the Father. Through his death and resurrection Jesus bridged the chasm which separates God and man. Christ offered himself as payment for our sins which only through the shedding of his blood could satisfy. This chasm or separation from God is caused by our thoughts, words, and deeds through acts of free-will. The separation we create though great at times, is not irreparable, and may be lessened through prayer, repentance, forgiveness and future acts in accord with the will of the Father.

Do not be misled into thinking that man through personal actions can somehow earn salvation through good works. Only God can forgive our sins, and we are unworthy of this gift. Man alone can do nothing to earn forgiveness. God forgives us though we are unworthy and this is His greatest gift to mankind. When you make a home for the Holy Spirit in your heart accepting Jesus as your personal Savior good works will flow from you. Not in order to earn points or rewards, but through acts of pure love. Love is the greatest power in the universe. With it God created the heavens and the earth, and with/through love we will be reunited with our Father in heaven.

Jesus gave himself freely, asking only that we love. Love God as God loves you. Love yourself, and love thy neighbor.

How then can we live Jesus' message of love? Treat each other with respect, caring for and protecting those who are unable to do so for themselves. Being a good steward for our planet, neither wanting, nor wasting the gifts given to us by the Father.

Just as there are many rooms in the Father's mansion, so are there many paths to the gates of heaven. My neighbor need not believe exactly as I do for us to share many things. Even as Christians there are many Traditions and forms of expression.

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