I Believe

Be a good listener because God may speak to us through the mouths of others. Fix things; relate to people. Focus on the here and now rather than the there and then. “I know how you feel” statements are better left unsaid. It is better to ask, “How do you feel?” God’s conditional promise: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.

God’s presence comforts. It means that wherever we are, in whatever situation, we are not alone. Hurting people need caregivers who will match their moods to a certain extent rejoice when they rejoice and mourn when they mourn. It is a good thing when God’s Word fills our fuel tank. Look around to see what violating God’s law is doing to humanity. Make constructive use of “times-in-waiting” by focusing on the positive rather than the negative aspects; turn them into character-building opportunities. Never overlook the smallest blessings, because our biggest blessings are often composed of many small ones.

No one yet has succeeded in crossing the bridge before he or she has come to it. Often without our knowledge, we compliment each other’s lives. Would it not be a good idea to relate this to one another? One’s presence communicates to others, more than anything else, that he or she is valued and loved. Talking less and listening more leads the way in caring for others.

The life of genuine wisdom is a life founded on the fear (reverence) of God and supported by seven mighty pillars: purity, peacefulness, gentleness, reasonableness, helpfulness, humility, and sincerity. The very best gift we can offer a suffering person is a heart full of understanding, eyes filled with tears, and ears ready to listen. We should not sell ourselves short. Though we might not gain proof of our value, we are of greater value than what many people think of themselves. With God in our lives we can do the impossible, reach the unreachable, and bear the unbearable. Worry is the most unproductive of all human activities; we can greatly benefit from minimizing it in our lives.

Self-reflection is always a good exercise. What I believe is a work in progress, not limited to these statements and subject to change. What do YOU believe?