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

In the Christian journey, we all face moments of pain, exhaustion, and deep wounds—whether emotional, spiritual, or even physical. As soldiers of the Kingdom, we are in a continuous battle, and at times, the weight of these struggles can cause us to stumble. Just as in the armed forces, when a recruit becomes a soldier, there is a symbolic exchange of headgear, representing their readiness, competence, and belonging to the corps. In God's Kingdom, this spiritual transition also requires healing, restoration, and a renewal of purpose. What should we do when our wounds leave us unable to move forward? The answer lies in God’s restoring love and the mission of the Body of Christ to never leave behind a "wounded soldier." Acknowledging the Wounds The first step to healing is recognizing the wounds and bringing them into the light of God's presence. Often, we force ourselves to appear strong, ignoring our pain and vulnerabilities. However, God does not expect us to carry t...

 Forgiveness is a deeply transformative act, and while many focus on the importance of forgiving others, self-forgiveness is equally crucial. The way we judge ourselves, often harsher than the judgment we receive from others, can leave us trapped in a cycle of guilt, shame, and self-condemnation. In this article, we will explore the steps toward self-forgiveness, drawing from a reflective devotional journey to understand how to extend grace and mercy to ourselves, just as we are called to do with others. Facing the Reality of Our Mistakes When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, their first reaction was to hide—using fig leaves to cover their shame and guilt. This instinct to conceal our mistakes is common to all of us. We often try to mask our errors with excuses, distractions, or defensive behaviors. However, just as hiding did not solve Adam and Eve’s problem, avoiding or denying our mistakes only prolongs the pain. Facing the reality of our sins head-on is the first step...

The Bible, in its vast wealth of symbolism and narratives, frequently uses hands as a powerful symbol of action, blessing, healing, and authority. Through various stories and characters, we see how God uses human hands to fulfill His divine purposes. This article will explore some of these passages, highlighting the importance of hands and their symbolism in the Bible. One of the most emblematic stories is the healing of the man with the withered right hand. Jesus performed this healing on a Sabbath, challenging the religious norms of the time that prohibited any kind of work on that day. He questioned the religious leaders about what was permissible on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save a life or to destroy it. He then ordered the man to stretch out his hand, and as he did so, the hand was restored. This healing transcends physical restoration; hands represent action and capability. By healing the withered hand, Jesus restored the man's ability to work, serve, and bles...