When it comes to having the kind of faith that we read about in 1 John , I do have my strengths and my weaknesses. For example, in regards to believing that Jesus is the only Savior of the world, I believe that. There is no other name that can save us; he is our hope and salvation.

I enjoyed the part of Scripture where John was talking about loving and not hating your brother. It says, “We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:19-20) For Christians, I think it is extremely important to exhibit love to those around us. If we hate others, then we are a contradiction to what God has demonstrated through his Son for us to follow- love. It will not always be easy and enjoyable to do, but God has commanded us who love him and to also love our brother.

In life, we have trials that test us. Personal health issues, death of a loved one, and other issues can either strengthen or weaken one’s faith. Often times we view our trials as God’s unfairness to us. We complain to him and blame him for our suffering.

Although trials are not pleasant, God is right beside me through it all. He is there with me when I am hurting, and he is also with me when I am happy. I admit that when trials come, I sometimes get caught up in the situation, and I wonder, “Why me?” In saying this, I would have to say that trials have strengthened my faith. Whether it be when I am going through the trial or after the trial has passed, it has increased my faith. I cannot help but sometimes feel angry and frustrated when I am faced with obstacles that seem to only cause pain; however, in the end, things work out. When I look back, I see that God was there with me the whole time, holding my hand and helping me through life’s difficulties.

Part of me is ashamed to say this, but I am probably not the only one who has felt this way. Sometimes trials have pulled me away from God. I think that he is being unfair to me, and I blame him. I wonder where he is, and why isn’t he helping me. To my shame, when the trial is conquered, I see that God was ready to help me. He doesn’t leave me, even when I struggle with things. He is always there; he is the constant in my life. I need to say, however, that trials are more bearable when I talk to God about what is going on, rather than questioning him.

In conclusion, I would like to say that trials have drawn me closer to God. From the big things that test me (like my aunt dying of cancer) to the little things (like losing my mind with school-related stress), God has proved faithful and loving to me always. I need to remember what Jurgen Moltmann said, “God weeps with us so that we may one day laugh with him.” Our suffering here is temporary. Things will be better one day.

In the world and church today, there is sadly an abuse of the truth. Rather than following sound doctrine, we find that people are listening to “…what their itching ears want to hear.” (II Timothy 4:3) They know the truth, yet they only listen to what they want to hear. They manipulate knowledge in such a way so that it makes them feel good about themselves.

One such manipulation of the truth is having a double standard. They may uphold to the truth in one situation, but the next day, they may change their minds regarding a new situation. When you were a little kid, do you remember how you would take other kids toys without having a second thought? However, when the table turned and you were the one who was having the toy taken from you, did you not feel outraged at such behavior from your peer? I think that this illustrates how we uphold a high standard when it is convenient for us, but we do not think twice in lowering the standard if it means it will make things easier for us.

In saying these things, the above is the result of an individual’s choice. At the same time, it must be understood that there are many people out there who are trying to deceive us. They mix a little bit of truth with a little bit of falsehood. It confuses us in such a way that the truth becomes distorted.

Often times you will see the self-righteous Christian who is quick to judge others. Perhaps this Christian grew up in the church all their life, and they believe they are higher than others. When a younger Christian messes up, the older Christian may be quick to judge the sin. In saying this, while this self-righteous Christian is looking at the sin of another man, he himself has imperfection/sin in his life. He, however, is too busy judging others than setting an example of proper leadership.

I would like to say one other thing.  I think that a huge problem in the church today is watering down the truth.  When ministering to lost souls, I think that we make our religion too passive. We take an inbetween stand on critical, yet definite issues, just so that we do not "step on anyone's toes."  I believe that the truth should be known; if it means that it offends an individual, then so be it.  Pastors worry about angering the congregation - hitting too closely to home for some.  That, however, is their job.  They are to confront us and inform us of the truth in a loving way.  It may be hard to accept at first, but ultimately it will serve us better.  We need to hear the truth - not a half-hearted message that only "makes us feel good about ourselves."

As Christians, we will undoubtedly suffer just as Christ suffered while here on earth. Those in China suffer the same persecution and rejection that Jesus did. Often times they are tortured and killed. Not only in China are Christians persecuted, but many places, including the United States, Christians suffer rejection.

When I decided to follow Christ, I realized that it meant I would suffer. People would reject me for my beliefs. I would be ridiculed for my faith, and it would be an unpopular way of life. Despite this, I realized that living a life in service to God was the only life that I wanted to live.

Since then, I have suffered for Christ. I do not suffer like those in China are suffering - who are being tortured and murdered for the cross, but I do suffer for him. People ridicule and make fun of my faith, yet I am to love them. Some things that the world offers I must turn down, for I have been called to a higher standard to live by. I must sacrifice things and desires this world has to offer and follow God’s law. I must live a life in complete dedication to him - no matter what trials or struggles or temptations I am faced with.

As a Christian, I have to sacrifice my entire being just as Christ sacrificed himself. My whole being is for God’s use. I may have to step outside my comfort zone, but if that is what God calls me to do, then I need to follow. Just as Jesus was willing to die on the cross, he did not want to. At the same time, however, he gave himself over to God’s will and said, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:36) I am as well to have this attitude. I am to surrender everything I am to him. If he takes me where I do not want to go, I must be obedient and follow him.

When we suffer, we are to continue to be humble and obedient. Even when it seems difficult, we must persevere. In saying this, I do not mean to make it sound like it is a horrible/difficult thing to be a Christian. Trials will test us, and it will not always be easy, but our reward will be great. What we reap we will sow. If we live a life in service to God, we will spend eternity with him. We must persevere to the end and be strong.

Since I have been at college, God has been teaching me to have more love and patience with those around me. Since I am with my peers constantly, nerves can get on edge. You learn a lot about those around you: you see the best and the worst of your friends. You gain an understanding of accepting people as they are, including their short comings. None are perfect, and you learn to accept the good part with the bad. Through my patience and love and kindness, I exhibit love to those around me.

In saying this, I do have my short comings. I struggle with forgiving others at times. I do not have a problem forgiving my close friends, but I struggle with forgetting and letting go of past hurts. I typically can forgive and move on if the apology is sincere, but people are not always sincere in apologies. At these times, I struggle with putting it behind me. I do not look at them with hate, but I feel a hesitancy to trust them again.

In conclusion, I Corinthian 13:13 says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” As Christians, we are called to love as Christ loved us. This means loving others in spite of short comings. It also means keeping your fellow believers accountable. As the family of God, we are to confront each other in love. In love, we are to strengthen and build up our fellow Christians. We are also supposed to support them and accept them as they are, even through trials. God helps me do this.