Faith & Life

Mr. Praise and Mr. Criticism

As a traveler was passing through a small farming village, he noticed an unusual sight. Rice was being harvested in two fields facing each other across a narrow path. In one field, many people were working together to help with the harvest. In the other, the owner was struggling to harvest the rice all by himself. Puzzled, the traveler walked over to the villagers and said, “Look here, isn’t this too harsh for people from the same village? So many of you are helping with the work in this field, but why is no one helping with the harvest in that field?” “Too harsh? We are simply following our hearts. The owner of this field, Mr. Praise, always speaks words…

Gold and Seeds

A passenger ship lost its course in a violent storm and was wrecked on a deserted island. No matter how much the passengers discussed the situation, they could find no way to leave the island. As they searched through the wrecked ship, they fortunately found enough food to last for several months, along with a supply of seeds. Knowing that their food would eventually run out, they decided to plant the seeds and began digging the ground. Then they discovered lumps of gold buried beneath the soil. Consumed by the excitement of digging for gold, they forgot that they had intended to sow the seeds. Instead, they scattered across the island, searching for more gold. Several months later, gold had…

Lowering Ourselves

Grasses have chosen to lower themselves as a strategy for survival. Because their growing points are located so low that they almost touch the ground, even when grazing animals eat their leaves, the growing points remain unharmed. In this way, grasses are able to preserve their species. The essential condition for completing the wilderness journey of faith is to humble ourselves. Even when hardships come, we can reach the promised land, the spiritual Canaan, not by relying on our own experience or understanding, but by depending on God, humbling ourselves, and obeying His word completely. Only by lowering ourselves can we grow, overcome, protect ourselves, and endure to the end. “Remember how the LORD your God led you all the…

A First Attempt

In the 16th century, the French judge Montaigne wished to express his thoughts in writing. Before he turned forty, he left his career as a judge and made a new attempt. Unlike the conventional literature of his time, he wrote freely, without restrictions on form, length, or subject, recording people and life as they were, along with his own thoughts, without embellishment. His collection of writings was published as Les Essais, and Montaigne later came to be recognized as the creator of a new literary genre—what we now call the essay. The word essay comes from the French essai, and its verb form, essayer, means “to try” or “to attempt.” If a goal or desire has begun to grow in…

Breaking the Habit of Procrastination

“Right now I’m busy with many things, so I’ll do it later.” “I work harder and get better results when the deadline is near.” “I’ll do it once I feel fully ready and confident that I can do it perfectly.” These are the excuses we often make when we do not want to start what we should be doing. In the moment of delay, we may feel temporary comfort, but as time passes, anxiety, guilt, and pressure only grow stronger. Even when we eventually rush to finish the work, the results are rarely satisfying. To break free from the habit of procrastination, scholars suggest starting within five minutes, or even using a “5, 4, 3, 2, 1” countdown to take…

Where My Strength Comes From

May the first thought that rises in my mind every morning be endless gratitude. May I dream of wandering through a brilliant world of stars, even when I lay my body down upon a desolate land. May my heart beat with warm brotherly love when I firmly shake hands with a brother. May the worries of this world melt away like snow after I share a hearty laugh with a sister. May I always be dignified as a child of God. May I be exceedingly courageous, believing God’s promise that He will be with me to the very end. May I share with all people the light of life that I have received from God. May I endure to the…

How Good It Is

On a journey taken together, one person’s bag is bursting, filled with everything they insist will be needed, while another carries only the bare essentials. One eagerly stops everywhere to capture memories in photographs, while another quietly records reflections on the journey in a journal. One wants to taste the local specialties, while another looks for a restaurant serving familiar food. One prefers to walk slowly, taking in every sight, while another believes traveling quickly by transportation is the wiser choice. If we focus only on one another’s different thoughts and attitudes, the journey can become difficult. But if we remember the purpose of the journey, every moment we travel together can simply be good. For those who keep their…

What Made the Journey Difficult

Reporters eagerly asked a man who had returned after completing a long and difficult journey across the desert alone: “What was the hardest part of crossing the desert? Was it the scorching sun and thirst?” “No.” “Then was it the threat of creatures such as scorpions or snakes?” “No, not that either.” “Then it must have been the cold night air.” “No, that wasn’t it either.” “Then was it the loneliness of spending such a long time alone?” With a faint smile, the man replied: “All those things were bearable. What made my desert journey the most difficult and painful was the grains of sand that got into my shoes.”

Say It with Good Words!

There are simple words that can turn an ordinary sentence into something warm and positive. Words such as “good” and “well” can become encouragement, praise, and recognition. Even a casual remark can brighten someone’s heart when it is spoken with kindness. This month, try using more good words with your family. You do not need long or fancy phrases. A simple word of encouragement can be enough. You may be surprised by the difference it makes. Tip When you wake up in the morning, say, “Did you sleep well?” or “Good morning.” When a family member leaves the house, say, “Have a good day.” When someone feels discouraged, say, “Things will work out well.” When a family member accomplishes something,…

The One Who Knows Me Best

People with a green thumb—hands skilled at growing plants—can quickly tell what a plant needs simply by touching its leaves or the soil. They move it from place to place according to the sunlight, spray water to increase the humidity, and carefully check whether water is draining well from the pot. Through their natural sense and careful observation, even a plant that was nearly dying regains vitality and becomes green and healthy again. God, the Gardener of my soul, never takes His eyes off me for even a moment. He watches over me so that I do not wither from changing temperatures, dry out in parching winds, or quickly shrivel under the hot sun. He nurtures my weak and delicate…

Starlight on the Rooftop

One particularly sweltering summer night, my husband, apparently dissatisfied with the breeze from the electric fan, suggested that we go up to the rooftop and lie down for a while. I was just drifting off to sleep and felt too drowsy to move, so I stayed where I was and tried to fall asleep. Then it occurred to me that perhaps my husband had something he wanted to say. I got up and gathered a pillow and a light blanket. My husband, who had already gone upstairs, sent me a text urging me to hurry. When I reached the rooftop, he was spreading a mat on the ground. As I lay there, a cool breeze washed over me, soothing me…

Gu Yeon-hee from Suncheon, Korea

To Empathize

Wanting to empathize with someone, I said: “Why don’t you try thinking a little more positively?” “I don’t think those thoughts are good for you, either.” “You should try harder.” “You should endure it. There’s nothing more that can be done anyway.” Empathy begins when we pay attention to the other person’s heart, instead of offering advice or counsel as if we already know everything, making hasty judgments and evaluations based only on the situation, or giving quick solutions out of impatience because we want to solve the problem right away. Empathy begins with words like these: “If you felt that way, there must have been a reason.” “You must have felt very frustrated. How are you feeling right now?”…

Putting a Plan Into Practice

In the 1981 Boston Marathon, Japanese long-distance runner Toshihiko Seko won first place after defeating many competitors. His training plan for the marathon consisted of just one thing: “Run 10 kilometers in the morning and 20 kilometers in the afternoon.” When a reporter asked whether his training plan was too simple, he replied: “The plan may be simple, but what matters is that I put it into practice every single day of the year, without missing even one day.” Anyone can make a plan, but putting it into practice is difficult. Only those who faithfully carry out their plans day after day can achieve what they set out to do.

A Valuable Choice and the Reward of Life

A man arrived at the airport for an overseas business trip. He usually raced against time to catch his flight, but this time he arrived early and had an hour before boarding. As he wondered how to spend the time, he remembered that his favorite talk show was about to begin and considered watching it in the departure lounge. Then he noticed a cozy café nearby and thought about enjoying a cup of coffee and relaxing there instead. While he was deciding between the two, an elderly man approached him. “Excuse me. I’m trying to go to America to see my son, but I have no idea where my boarding gate is.” The elderly man handed him the ticket he…

Come Soon

With deep empathy and a heart of respect, they cared for their brothers; even on days worn out by the burdens of life, they welcomed their sisters with radiant smiles. Before judging anyone, they first examined their own faith; they did not expose another’s faults, but quietly covered them. Without being shaken by emotions or passing feelings, they remained calm like a tranquil lake; their words were always beautiful and gracious, bringing grace wherever they were spoken. Content with the portion given to them and always giving thanks, they never sought their own advantage, but remained humble at all times. Day after day, they never neglected prayer or meditation on God’s word. Seeking their lost brothers and sisters, they walked the narrow path and sang…

Walking the Path of God’s Will

Around the time I was preparing to enter college, a desire arose in my heart to live a life devoted to following God. However, I did not know what I should do or where to begin. Wanting to understand God’s will, I opened the Bible, and Jesus’ teaching to be “the salt and light of the world” caught my attention. From then on, I tried in my own way to put those words into practice. When those around me saw the positive changes in me, they encouraged me to continue reading the Bible. It was only after coming to the Church of God, however, that I realized that entering the path of salvation required more than simply reading the Bible…

Jose Ferreira from New Windsor, NY, U.S.

The Reason to Forgive

“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Lk 6:37 “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Mt 18:21–22 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph 4:32 As the sea receives all the dirt and purifies it, we should have a broad and beautiful heart to embrace the faults of our brothers and sisters. The Teaching of Mother Darkness can be driven away only by light. Hatred can be overcome only by love. If we want to become light, not darkness, and love, not hatred, let us forgive— according to the teaching of Father, who set the example through practice, and with the heart of Mother, as broad and…

Courage

Offering warm words that give strength Apologizing when I have done wrong Laying down the desire to be exalted Letting go of old wounds Embracing others even when they are hard to love Being patient even when anger rises Standing up even when I want to collapse Understanding opinions different from my own Knowing how to take responsibility for my actions Not shrinking back when I face obstacles Trying again even after making mistakes Believing that I can do it Before it is too late, this is the courage I must summon with all my strength.

Even Without Words

The One who knows my heart even when I do not speak. The One who gently covers my mistakes. The One who rejoices more than I do when something good happens to me. The One who stays by my side the longest when I am weary. It is you, my Mother. “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Ge 28:15

The Diderot Effect

In the 18th century, the French philosopher Denis Diderot once received a gift from a friend: a soft, red robe. After replacing his old robe with the new one, Diderot suddenly felt that the desk in his study did not match the robe. So he bought a new desk that suited the elegant robe. However, after replacing the desk, the chair began to look out of place. He then replaced the chair as well to match the new desk. After changing the chair, the clock no longer seemed fitting, so he replaced the clock too. In this way, as he continued adding new items one by one, he eventually ended up replacing all the furniture in his study. This psychological…