I am lucky to live in a country where I am free to believe in whatever I choose. I am lucky to live in a country where I can be a Christian freely and worship God publically. I don’t have to hide, or fear persecution for my faith and my beliefs. I am free to raise my children in the Christian faith and teach them about God.
I can’t imagine what it was like to have been an early Christian, persecuted and martyred. I can’t imagine what it is like to live in a country today where people are not allowed to publically proclaim their faith, be it Christian, Muslim or other faiths; where they are killed for their beliefs, today, in 2015, in our “civilized” world. It is frightening.
Christ did indeed conquer the world. Christ taught of love and compassion, of tolerance and forgiveness. Jesus was tolerant of various beliefs, traditions and values, although Jesus did not always share them. Jesus taught peace. I am lucky to live in a country where I do not have to fight for my life because of my faith.
God of peace, help us to be tolerant of those who do not share our faith and beliefs. Help us to share your word with those who do not know of your love, with courage and compassion. Amen. — GB