“Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.”
Mark 11:23
This week is Ash Wednesday, the day that marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent, which ends on Easter Sunday which falls on April 9th this year. On Ash Wednesday, some churches give out ashes that are placed on the foreheads of Christian believers to remind us of the great truth about this life: ashes to ashes and dust to dust. Receiving and wearing these ashes also serves as a sign of one’s faith belief—believers and believers, alike. For many, getting ashes may signal a deeper desire to grow in faith through this holy season, into a closer relationship with God, through His Only Son, Jesus Christ. This relationship is like no other, as it is based on the deep and enduring unconditional Love that God has for each of us. As we come to realize that His Love is all we need, it enables us to trust in Jesus like no other.
“Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life.”
John 5:24
There are numerous other ways that believing Christians openly express their faith and reverence to God, besides receiving ashes on their forehead on Ash Wednesday. So many beautiful traditions. Some people make the sign of the cross before and after they pray. Some say grace before meals. Other people raise their hands when they worship at church services, or genuflect before sitting in the pew at church. Others may wear a cross or crucifix necklace or a faith-based T-shirt with a Christian message printed on it, such as the very popular Christian show, The Chosen. These are all subtle and not-so-subtle outward expressions of faith. They are but a few of the many diverse ways that people express and share their belief in Jesus Christ.
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
John 11:25-26
Though people of different faiths may express their faith differently, or even choose to keep their faith more private, we need to always be respectful of the different traditions that different faiths practice. That acceptance of others’ faith traditions is an important part of living a faith-filled life. As Christian disciples, we are called to bring people together, be encouragers, and build each other up. There really is no room for criticism of anyone’s faith traditions, even and especially when we are unfamiliar with them. So we need to try to avoid judging others who are different than us; be respectful of each other, worship God, and provide encouragement wherever and whenever we can. Most of all, we need to strive to grow in our belief in Jesus, that He is who the Bible tells us He is in scripture. Belief in God is so important. If you struggle to believe in Jesus, ask the Lord to heal your unbelief.
There are 260 references in Scripture to the words belief, believe, and unbelief. We’ve talked about some ways that people practice their faith beliefs. Next week we will take a look at why it is so important to believe and have faith in Jesus, which are gifts of the Holy Spirit. Belief in God can move mountains!
“Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20
Copyright 2023 | Adele M. Gill
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