1 PETER 3:8
“Finally, all of you must live in harmony, by sympathetic, love as brothers, and be compassionate and humble.”
“I am my brother’s keeper”, this phrase occurred in the context of the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:1-9; Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy that God had found Abel’s sacrifice acceptable, but he rejected Cain’s. After the murder, the Lord, knowing full what had happened, asked Cain where Abel was, Cain’s response was “I do not know, am I my brother’s keeper”?
Journeying in Singles For Christ for months now, I recognized that to keep a brother is something that God really wants us to look after, may it be morality or righteousness and more importantly love. In the midst of arguments about EJK (Extra Judicial Killings) or death penalty issues, morality and or justice comes to my mind. Justice that we don’t commit or think violent act against our brethren’s as 1 Thessalonians 5: 12-15 states “No one renders evil for evil to someone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all”. I believe that we can conquer all of these influences if only LOVE will deluge our minds and hearts as well. In, John 15:12, it says “Love one another as I have loved you” and in 1 Thessalonian’s 4:9 “Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another”.
The night started with songs of praise and worship, it was actually unusual as for my end to witness Cluster A joining together for a wonderful teaching. Despite personal struggles as he shared, the opening worship was led by Brother Paul of A2, praise God for blessing Him to stand firm in His faith to lead the group. Immediately after, Talk 1 started.
Talk 1: The King’s Champion was presented by Tito Lito Abuan. The talk is about being a Kings’ champion, a God’s champion. In honouring and glorifying God, one must respond to His call humbly and fully. Sometimes, we may succumb with feeling of unworthiness but as Deuteronomy 31:6 states “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” To be a God’s champion, we must believe, has allegiance to the King by not abandoning him, extols the king through praise, glorify and worship, loves, follows, foregoes, defends, trusts the King and willing to die for him. It was awe-inspiring to be acquainted that being an SFC, we were called to be a God’s champion. As we grow with faith in him, we are undeniably made and created for greatness as we must place our security in his loving arms. In conclusion, John 13: 16-17 states “truly I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them”.
It was succeeded by a Worship Workshop by Bro Earl, the supplemental talk enlightened us the importance and guidelines on worshipping. This is a central part of any SFC gatherings- an act of thanksgiving and acknowledging God. Furthermore humbling ourselves in the sight of the Lords as James 4:6 states “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble”.
Recognizing how great God is, in my life. Worshipping for me became an expression of love and reverence to the God who gave me more than I deserve. A divine God, loving and worthy of all our worship and devotion.
The day was ended with a sumptuous feast and an evocative banter about personal relationships, sharing of ideas, learnings and reflections with each’s God’s gift.
Friday morning was in full swing. After a lively sunrise exercise, Tito Nick Leyson’s talk commenced, Talk 2: Usapang Lalake. The talks’ title sounded intriguing and yes, it was. In a virile voice, Tito Nick uttered how to be a “Tunay na Lalake?” Was it having a buff body and a 6 pack abs or was it being tough and willing to fist fight in any conflict? Being “Tunay na Lalake” on God’s eyes wasn’t just the typical stereotypes but a real man has a confidence in all things, firm in his convictions and able to manage his family effectively. A “tunay na lalake” chooses the right thing and above all, “ang tunay na lalake” is a Man of God.
Talk 3: What is your purpose in Life explained by Bro. Bryant Paquiz. A question not only boggling on Man’s mind but perhaps off all mankind. A continued pursuit for something enigmatic. As Bro Bryant expounded his purpose, I held my grip to my conviction that it was purely subjective. But as he said “I did not see my purpose, but it was ready, everything was ready, I saw what God has planned for me”. There, I realized that all of us was called by God. He is able to reveal our purpose as Jeremiah 29:15 states “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”.
To sum up, Talk 4: Safe harbours and sailing ships by Tito Monching Jimenez was a wakeup call. To recognize our persistence in life, we must navigate the ocean. As saying goes “You can never cross the ocean if you don’t have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” We need not to be afraid of the open sea for God is with us. Confronting the waves of our future, defying the storms of life and even the turbulence it will bring we can be led by the lighthouse of the gospel and by the testimonies of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The teaching was diverse that gave me an opportunity to discover something about myself. Am I willing to be my brother’s keeper? Will I accept the challenge? It can seem overwhelming for undertaking these experience might be frightening however in Proverbs 3:5,it states “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”. God is asking us to trust and allow him to work within us. It’s an invitation to accompany him. And yes, I am willing to go against the tide and seek to redefine Justice and Love. Building a home in Love and God as its centre.
For that, May God be praised.
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