The talk on Christian Character Weekend was held last April 13 2018 in Ruwais. The first talk was about Emotions and Character. I was able to relate to this talk because I used to handle everything by myself. I do not share my feelings and problems to other people. I was afraid that they will gossip and judge me if they knew what I was going through. I acted like nothing is happening with me by just keeping my mind busy on other things and by watching movies and dramas. I struggled at first after joining the community but after I attended the teachings, that’s when I gained courage to sincerely open up and trust people inside and outside the community eventually. I stopped doubting other people and I just entrust everything to God. I do not hide my real feelings anymore and I try to be more expressive to everyone.
Character of Humility is the second talk which is about God who came down to earth not be served but to serve. Our Lord is the perfect model of humility (Philippians 2:5-11). This proves that when God is with us, life will be simple. I do not have to be somebody to be able to do something for other people as long as I do things whole heartedly. I had problem with this as I think that by doing something good for others they will think that I am just showing off. I was afraid they might question me about my self-worth which at that time, I don’t have the courage to defend it. I was not confident enough.
Character of courage is about our fears which can be overcome by entrusting everything to God. We must always remember God’s loving promise to us; “I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine… You are mine, O my child; I am your father and I love you with a perfect love.” Through this talk I realize that I am worthy because I am His child. By realizing and internalizing this, I am slowly gaining my confidence.
Righteous and Unrighteous anger is the fourth talk. When I was angry, I usually ignore because I was afraid to hurt feelings of others. Even if I really feel annoyed I would only just say it’s okay but I will eventually I put gap between us. I was thinking that it is better not to confront others. As time passes I was slowly losing friends because of that. I felt empty and I question myself. Through this talk I learned that anger is natural response to obstacles put in our way and it is righteous if it is directed against wrong doing. So every day, when I feel angry or irritated I pray and ask God to help me express it with His control.
Character of surrender is about entrusting everything to God in order to experience His love and healing. After joining this community I tried to internalize and apply the teachings in my own simple ways. I am letting Him take over my thoughts and feelings and I am not easily bothered anymore . I am at peace and even when I think about my past, I don’t feel hurt and resentment, instead I am thankful that He gave me those struggles to mold me who I am today. Thinking about the future, I am not worried anymore because I know He will be there to guide and protect me.
A heart attuned to Christ is making Jesus our model, our clear example, our true guide for it is His character stamped on ours that makes us truly a Christian. In this kind of environment, I believe that joining SFC is one way for me to attune my heart to Him. I may not copy Him perfectly, I may not be able to walk the talk all the time, I may struggle sometimes but I believe He will always be there waiting for me.
May God Be Praised!
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