Meditate on the Word - For a Decent and Investigative Christianity (EN)

The Apostle Peter, in his second epistle, invites us to deep spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of developing essential virtues for a fruitful Christian life. In chapter 1 of 2 Peter, he highlights that God, in His goodness, has given us "everything we need for life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). This statement underscores that, through His divine power, God has provided us with all the necessary resources to live in a way that pleases Him, based on the knowledge of Jesus Christ, who called us to His own glory and excellence. In this devotional, we explore each of the virtues mentioned by Peter, understanding their importance for our walk with God and the impact they can have on our lives. Introduction to the Theme: The Foundation of Spiritual Growth Peter begins his letter by reminding Christians that faith is a precious gift given to us by the righteousness of God and Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that grace and peace are multiplied through the knowledge of God. This

Often, we confuse fear with reverence when it comes to our relationship with God, but these two feelings have very different meanings and impacts. While fear drives us away from God's presence, true reverence for the Lord brings us closer, guiding us to divine wisdom and revealing His love. This article explores how reverence for the Lord can transform our lives, freeing us from paralyzing fear and inviting us to walk in God's light. The Beginning of Wisdom Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of a life of wisdom and spiritual discernment. Unlike fear, which paralyzes and distances us, reverence for the Lord is an attitude of awe, respect, and deep love. It is not a feeling of terror before God but rather an acknowledgment of His majesty, holiness, and power. It means understanding that God is the Creator, and we are His creatures, dependent on His grace and mercy. Psalm 25:14 reinforces this truth by saying, "The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His coven

  In this six-day article, we explore the crucial difference between fear and the fear of the Lord, and how these concepts shape our relationship with God. While fear drives us away from God, the fear of the Lord draws us closer, guiding us toward a life of wisdom, obedience, and trust. Let's examine each of these days more closely to understand how we can apply these principles in our daily lives. Day One: The Beginning of Wisdom The first step toward a life of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. As stated in Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is not a common fear but a deep reverence and recognition of God's majesty, power, and holiness. By fearing the Lord, we are led to seek His wisdom, which is far more valuable than human knowledge. This fear is the foundation upon which we build our spiritual lives. Psalm 25:14 reinforces this idea, saying, "The Lord confides in those who

  The Parable of the Prodigal Son , found in Luke 15:11-32, is one of the most profound and well-known stories told by Jesus. It is part of a series of three parables (The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Prodigal Son) that Jesus told in response to the criticism of the Pharisees and scribes. They complained that Jesus associated with sinners and ate with them, which, in their view, was unworthy of a religious teacher. Through this parable, Jesus reveals the loving, merciful, and forgiving character of God and contrasts it with the judgmental and exclusive attitude of the religious leaders. Cultural Context In Jesus' time, Jewish society was highly patriarchal and based on a system of honor and shame. The family was the central nucleus of social life, and respect for parents, especially the father, was considered one of the most sacred commandments. Therefore, any act that dishonored the father was considered extremely serious. The Parable Jesus begins the parable by saying that

Since the time of the Garden of Eden, humanity has struggled with fear and self-preservation. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and hid themselves, fear took root in the human heart, distorting their relationship with the Creator. This initial act of self-preservation set a behavioral pattern that many of us still follow today: we try to protect ourselves from the consequences of our actions, preferring to hide rather than expose ourselves to God's light. Exposing the Nakedness addresses this central issue of the Christian faith: the struggle between fear and trust in God. Fear leads us to build barriers between ourselves and God, to listen to voices that pull us away from Him, and to try to preserve our lives by our own means. These barriers keep us trapped, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of life that God offers. Jesus calls us to trust Him completely, to place our lives in His hands, and to follow His voice amidst the many others that compete for our attention. The v