Reflecting on Our Universal Struggle with the Apostle Paul’s Words Most of us have felt the tug-of-war inside ourselves: we want to do what’s right, but somehow, we fall short. The phrase, “when I try to do good, evil is always present,” resonates deeply because it’s a truth that we all experience. This isn’t just a modern sentiment—it’s a paraphrase…
Exploring the Scriptural Call to Love, Reject Hatred, and Rejoice in God’s Holiness Introduction: Love and Hate in the Biblical Perspective The Bible speaks often and deeply about both love and hate, offering guidance for the attitudes and actions of God’s people. Yet, Scripture draws a clear line between loving others and hating evil, calling believers to a life marked…
Personal Response to a Troubling Social Climate Introduction In recent years, I have found myself increasingly flabbergasted, alarmed, and deeply saddened by the level of hatred and vitriol that seems to permeate American society. The intensity and frequency of hostile exchanges—both in person and online—have reached new heights, making it difficult to recognize the spirit of unity that once was…
A Layman’s Reflection on Wisdom, Character, and the State of Our Nation What is happening today in our nation often leaves people confused, divided, and searching for answers. Many times, we hear claims that certain acts, decisions, or movements are “of God,” or that God approves of what is going on. However, it is vital to pause and ask ourselves:…
Choosing Forgiveness, Love, and Trust in God’s Justice The Biblical Stance Against Vindictiveness Vindictiveness, or the desire to seek revenge against those who have wronged us, is strongly discouraged throughout the Bible. Instead, Scripture calls believers to a higher standard—one marked by love, forgiveness, and trust in God’s ultimate judgment. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles encourage Christians to…
Explaining Romans 7 in Simple Terms The Ongoing Battle Inside Every Person Most of us have experienced moments when we genuinely want to do the right thing, but somehow end up doing the opposite. It can be as simple as wanting to be patient with a loved one, but snapping in frustration—or wanting to avoid gossip, but finding ourselves caught…
Recognizing and Resisting Common Spiritual Traps If you’ve ever felt that life throws a lot of sneaky challenges your way—doubts, distractions, fears, or even arguments that pop up out of nowhere—you’re not alone. In Christian teaching, these kinds of struggles are often described as “Satan’s devices.” But what does that term really mean, and why should we care? Let’s break…
Understanding the Gap Between Beliefs and Biases If you look around today, you might notice that sometimes people who call themselves Christians also demonstrate racial prejudice. Maybe it’s a comment in passing, a joke that just doesn’t sit right, or even actions that exclude or demean others based on their skin color or background. To many, this feels confusing—even shocking.…
A Reflection on Deep and Enduring Influences Introduction Race and religion have long intertwined to shape the political, social, and moral fabric of the United States. From the earliest days of colonization to the modern political landscape, these forces have not only influenced outcomes but have also defined the nation’s identity. While race has frequently been the central axis of…
