“There is NOTHING in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 39)
Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Not our favourite novels, songs, movies, television programmes, games, toys, pets, fashion accessories, shopping centres, arcades, a handphone, a trophy, medals, prizes, MSN, PSPs, a failed test, good results and even peers’ approval.
Nobody can divide us and God. Not a vengeful peer, our friends, boyfriend or girlfriend, school mates who are jealous of us or look down on us, dedicated or unsupportive teachers, loving or uncaring parents and guardians, quarrelsome siblings and even our favourite celebrities.
No situation can pull us apart from God. Not being a student leader, performing in a concert, winning a basketball tournament or a competition, grief over a deceased pet or relative, resentment at being accused, anger after being insulted or bullied, disappointment with siblings or friends who betray you, and even guilt from being caught red-handed.
In all these circumstances, we know that we are never alone. We can be assured that no matter what happens, God is always with us. But are there times when we allowed ourselves to be distracted by worldly obsessions? Are there times when we were too immersed in our joyful and victorious moments that we forgot to thank God for our achievements? Are there times when we failed to turn to God for counsel and wallowed into sadness and despair? These would be the occasions when we distance ourselves from God’s love. These would be the times when we prevent God’s healing power working within us.
Now, aren’t these situations contradictory to what St. Paul said about nothing could separate us from God’s love? The explanation is God our loving Father had given us the freedom to choose whether we want to establish our friendship with Him or not, and human beings sometimes abuse our freedom to choose not to acknowledge God’s presence in our lives.
Rick Warren, author of the book “The Purpose Driven Life”, wrote that to develop our friendship with God, we have to
1. be completely honest with God, which means to pour out our genuine feelings to God.
2. obey God in faith, not out of fear or compulsion, but out of gratitude and love for all Christ has done for us.
3. value what God values, i.e. the redemption of his people. Care about all the people around us and tell our friends about God. In other words, bring Christ to others through our words and actions.
4. meditate on God’s Word throughout the day.
In this Christmas season, let us choose to revive our friendship with God while celebrating Jesus’ birth so that Christ’s love and peace will remain within us forever.
(This is my fifth issue (28 Dec 2008) of Pauline Catechism section in my new church bulletin called The Apostles.)
A personal reflection article after reading Day 11 - Becoming Best Friends with God and Day 12 - Developing Your Friendship with God.
