Faith as Light: The Power of Christianity in the Eyes of Ordinary People

When I was a kid, the village on our west side was hugely religious, specifically, believing in Jesus. I went there to hang out with friends, so I had some early exposure to Christianity. Later, in my twenties, when I was in Luoyang, a friend took me to church. I started occasionally listening to sermons, and gradually, I embraced Christianity. It felt terrific.

Christianity emphasizes moral and ethical teachings, significantly impacting my outlook on life and values. It taught me to distinguish between good and evil and live harmoniously with others. Listening to the pastor’s sermons, the Psalms, Proverbs, and other scriptures, especially with the pastor’s explanations, opened my mind. It’s like how food nourishes the body—the scriptures in the Bible nourish the soul.

Christianity has been a source of hope for me, reinforcing the belief that “life is hope.” It teaches us to trust in God’s love and mercy, which helps me stay confident and hopeful despite difficulties and setbacks. The concept of “grace” in Christian doctrine gives me spiritual strength. No matter how significant the challenges are, I believe God will provide me with the strength to face them, and this faith becomes the motivation to overcome hardships. It gives me the courage and determination to start over.

Christian faith also helps me deal with mental struggles. Through prayer and meditation, I find inner peace and comfort, which helps ease anxiety and stress, making me feel calm and relaxed. At the same time, the power of faith teaches me to be tolerant and accepting—to love others as I love myself. This faith allows me to be more forgiving of others’ mistakes, reducing conflicts in relationships.

Every Christian faces moments when their faith clashes with real-world values. In those times, it’s essential to think deeply, explore the issues, and try to resolve the conflicts. Society is a melting pot, and there will always be people who have biases against us. You have to allow yourself to be yourself and let others be themselves. Sometimes, we can provide information and correct their misconceptions, but if they’re closed-minded and unwilling to accept different views, all we can do is stay kind to them. Others’ criticisms don’t mean our faith is wrong—it’s just their opinion. We need to stand firm in our beliefs.

The transformation and transmission of Christianity require cooperation from the government and schools, especially in nurturing the faith among young people. For them to carry on the faith, they need to learn, participate, cultivate, and pass it on, integrating religious values into their daily lives. Participating in volunteering activities can bring positive energy to society.

- Anonymous

Jenny Liang｜Content curator

Rebecca｜Editor

Cathy｜Translator