Jayne . . .
I have put my faith in God for over 23 years now and the more I ponder and learn about God the more I am amazed by the simplicity and complexity of the term 'God is love'.
I was brought up in a family where no-one went to church or professed any kind of belief in religion. Religion was not part of daily life nor did we have annual rituals like going to church at Christmas time. Within my immediate and wider family religion wasn't seen as important enough to even be discussed. On the rare occasions when it was discussed it was always in derogatory terms.
The schools I went to were state schools with no connection to the Church, yet despite this lack of religion I always had this nagging feeling that there was more to life than what I was experiencing. There must be reasons for our existence beyond biological urges and a quest for financial comfort. Deep down I had a need to find purpose; a need to answer the question why?
Why did I go down the route of religion? Why did I choose Christianity? Was it because there were no mosques, hindu temples, sikh gurdwaras, jewish synagogues or buddhist temples in my area? I suppose the answer in part is yes. I can't deny that my experience has changed the person I am, who can? But as I objectively rationalised Jesus' lifestyle and after studying the major world faiths at University - Christianity made the most sense. Its central premise of love is key. As I look at my home life, my village life, the state of the county, the state of the country and the state of the world I am unable to see a single situation that wouldn't be better if people only loved each other selflessly.
Jesus summed up his own ministry with the words 'Love God, love your neighbour.'
No rules, no regulations, no religiosity just relationships.
Love is paramount.
How does one put into words the love of a mother or a brother or your spouse? I don't know. But I have an overwhelming sense - just as real that I am loved by the creator of the universe.
I pray that you too might experience this sense that I can't deny.
Jayne