Our internal struggles often stem from a misunderstanding of the true relationship between our knowledge of Christ and the kind of experience we expect to derive from that knowledge. The truths we learn about God are often shrouded in mystery—they are complex and layered, much like the divine thoughts of God Himself. The core challenge lies in our tendency to neglect teaching ourselves how to personally apply these truths. We need to learn how to truly know ourselves in the context of God's love before others attempt to impose some external, preconceived mold upon us. As I have emphasized previously, each of us is uniquely cared for by our Heavenly Father. In this divine care, it is vital to constantly remind ourselves of our identity in His love—a task that becomes increasingly complicated because, although God's love for humanity is genuine and constant, it does not always manifest in the same way or at the same time for everyone. For this reason, we are called to look beyond our limited perspectives and shine light into the depths of our own souls. The Bible encourages outward expressions of faith—acts of service, love, and trust—because these outward actions reflect spiritual growth and a deepening relationship with God. However, pursuing outward acts alone can be misleading or even deceptive. The Reformers rightly argued that in order to truly enjoy and know God, we must first develop an intimate knowledge of Him. As John Calvin pointed out, knowing God is not an end in itself; rather, it leads us to examine our own inner lives. When we fix our gaze on Christ, we become like the image we focus upon; that’s why the Apostle Paul exhorts us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. But this focus raises an important question: is it merely a passive act—simply contemplating an image—or does it involve a profound, multifaceted search? Does it mean examining our own hearts while inviting God to search us in return? I believe that unless we actively remove the obstacles that hinder us—learning to pray as a focused, intentional act of communion with our Father—we will remain vulnerable to desires and illusions that ultimately fail to bring true happiness or security. One effective way to attain what we seek is to dismantle the false beliefs and deceptions we have internalized—those distorted perceptions about ourselves and God that cloud our understanding. Confronting these illusions is at the heart of experiencing genuine freedom. The core of our being—the soul—is the central place of self-awareness and the foundation of our spiritual life. The Scriptures often refer to it as the “heart of the matter,” emphasizing its importance as the wellspring of life. I have previously spoken about the inner person—the individual who, in divine favor, freely receives grace. It is this sense of grace within that connects every thought and action to the divine flow, enabling us to pour ourselves out into the world. The Holy Spirit baptizes us anew, filling us with divine life, and from this fullness emerges a hidden, divine existence within the heart of man—a secret life that is characterized by a distinctive quality of life, one that is unfamiliar and often incomprehensible to the world around us. Would you like me to further adjust the tone or focus on particular elements?
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