Living as a Christian can be difficult, but it is easier than people think. There aren’t strict rules or regulations to follow; you just need to be open to love. As the Bible tells us, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Love is the perfect way to experience peace, and when expressed honestly, it fills the void in your soul.
The peace of God, “which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Love makes even the hardest heart vulnerable. There’s no need to hurt or argue with others in our efforts to bring them closer to God. An open heart and a mind filled with wisdom and understanding are all that’s needed.
My Christianity came from growing up in the church. My father was the pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He passed away in 2021 leaving his congregation behind. The church, though small, once had a membership of over 40 people. As of now, the congregation has reduced to less than 10, primarily due to the passing of members.
From birth, I was taught to be strong and immovable in the Word of God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). My mother shows compassion and love like no other. Her understanding of what it meant to care for another person is beyond my thoughts. She is a praying woman, who strongly believes in educating the younger generation to consider the paths that will help them in life.
Like her, I believe that the more you pray, the more you see God’s work in your life. As Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength… they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” The more you show love, the more it becomes clear that you are strong in God. However, growing up under the Baptist tradition wasn’t always easy.
We, as a part of the Baptist denomination, often faced conviction. We could only dress, sing, and carry ourselves in a certain way. While teaching on condemnation of wrongdoings has its place, there were times when some preachers we visited terrified newcomers into becoming Christians. My parents didn’t do this, I don’t need to scare people into loving God so why should I? The world and Christians alike must understand that. Fear is taught and it leads us down the wrong path, but love conquers all.
You don’t need to yell at someone or throw them under the bus for being in a different crowd. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged… with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:1-2). You don’t need to call out every wrongdoing. Instead, show them the mercy and love God offers. “Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).
God’s love and the sacrifice of Jesus allow us to live with Him forever. You don’t have to be afraid to have a relationship with God. Too many people fear they need to be perfect to be accepted by God. But the truth is, they need only to be saved by the Lord Jesus Christ and live as He did—praising God, loving others, and bringing more people closer to Him.
So what can we do about it?
- Stop judging. Consider your own failures, losses, and challenges you face.
- Pray for things that you cannot change. Know that it is out of your hands.
- Praise God in spite of what is happening. Whether your day is good or bad, give thanks to God for everything, even those things you can’t see.
- Keep close to the Word of God. The Bible says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
This is how I want you to live—happily and free from worry. There are so many people out there who long to see a change in their lives. Little do they know, putting their full trust, devotion, and love into God will give them everything they need to sustain them. Once you’re with God, it becomes an ongoing journey of progression, achievements, blessings, and everlasting love. As 1 John 4:16 says, “Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” Love first.