Feature Article August 2008

“Begin” by believing

Lovers who say they "believe in" their beloved show it by making a public pledge to be faithful to each other 'til death do them part.  This is the covenant of marriage.  The act of Christian faith is a lot like this.  It is a conviction that leads people to entrust themselves in love to God in Christ and commit themselves to an exclusive relationship to this God, come what may.  In fact the verb "to believe" in Latin is "credere" which is related to the Latin words "cor" and "dare", to give one's heart.  Even in the English language the verb "believe" is related to the German/Saxon verb to love.

True faith can't be cool and aloof.  It must move from conviction to confidence to commitment for it to be authentic and mature.  Do you believe that a supreme being exists and that He knows you better than you know yourself and loves you better than you love yourself?  Then it would make sense for you to surrender yourself completely to Him and do whatever He tells you. -- Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D.

Reflection

1. How do you commit yourself to an “exclusive” relationship with God? What is different about this relationship than your relationship with human beings? What must be different? Why?

2. How have you been “cool and aloof” with your love of God in the past? How can you begin to “fire” this love? (Be as specific as possible.)

3. Do you ask God each day to show you how to surrender to Him?