This week I studied James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, and 1-3 John. One common theme is these chapters was enduring to the end. James 5:11, "We count them happy which endure." 1 Peter 3:14, "But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye." How could we be happy if we are suffering? I think that when we suffer, we have to know why we are suffering. I know that I go through my trials to come closer to Christ and grow as a person. James 1:3, "The trying of your faith worketh patience." I can become more like Christ by growing in patience. I may not know how I am going to be tested or how my patience will actually grow, but I have to be patient to endure to the end. When I endure to the end, I am promised so many blessings and the gift of living with my Heavenly Father again. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him," James 1:12.
We also learn that we need faith. Who can get through such terrible things when we don't believe in anything? But we also learn that faith without works is dead in James 2:17. Our actions speak louder than words. I would hope that people I have never spoken to could know that I am a good person based off of how I live. I want to be a good person, and I show that in my actions and interactions with others.
I also love these scriptures that tell us how we should live as Christ would. We should be peacemakers, humble, righteous, and faithful. "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." James 3:18. "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." James 4:6. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."3 John 1:4. "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." 1 John 2:3. I love the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and simplicity brings freedom. I make choices now to live as Christ would, and that makes the rest of my life so much easier.
"Ask of God, and it shall be given him." James 1:5-6. This principles is so easy, yet so hard to believe in. Sometimes it isn't an immediate answer, or an answer we want, or an easy answer. Life is hard and it's going to stay hard. That's why we have to endure to the end with patience. But asking God for help is never wrong. It will be given to us.
The last thing I want to emphasize is the love of God. This class has had me do a project where I try to become more like Christ in his showing of love. "God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:16. I am so glad that I am loved by God, and I want others to feel that love too. I can show the love of God to others through my actions as well. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear." 1 John 4:18. I know that I am loved by God. God loves everyone. We don't have to fear this life if we know that God loves us. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan for me, and that I can live with Him again.
I love you, and God loves you!
No comments:
Post a Comment