Easter is a perfect time to reflect and dig deeper into your faith, and it is important that you ask yourself important questions during this time. Use these questions to reflect on how you've been as a Christian, your understanding of the gospel, and how you can be more worthy of God's love.
1. How can I show gratitude to God for sacrificing His son?
What Jesus went through was unimaginable. Jesus was shamed and he suffered at the hands of those people who he will eventually save through this death too. This is the very reason why Christians continually strive hard to be better Christians. Because even if they've received God as their Savior, there is still that feeling of unworthiness in all of us.
In Mark 13:54, Jesus is heard crying out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Doesn't it pain you to read this? Jesus was alone and felt alone during His last hours. He paid the price so we can all be saved. Reflect on this for a moment and think about how you can always show your gratitude to God for this amazing sacrifice.
2. How much love should I give to the Lord?
It is not bad to love your family with all your heart, nor is it bad to love your spouse for all your life. However, have you asked yourself how much love you've given to God lately? Humans are passionate beings, and we really put our heart and soul into something we love to do or someone we truly love. Many of us, unfortunately, only show love and appreciation to God during Sunday service. This must not be the case at all.
Romans 5:8 was very clear, "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." Do you think there is any love greater than this? God's sacrifice was unbearable and yet, He went through it for us. If God can love you this much, surely, you can give more of your love to Him throughout your day.
3. How important is forgiveness?
When someone hurt us, anger and pain take over. As a natural human instinct, we protect ourselves from feeling any more pain. But at the same time, we have an inkling to seek vengeance. However, you must always remember that God called you to forgive those who hurt you. No ifs, no buts.
In John 19:30, Jesus said "It is finished" and after that, He gave up His spirit. It wasn't just about ending his suffering. Remember, Jesus death meant God has forgiven every sinner, hence the sacrifice. If God can forgive us of our sins, who are we not to?
4. Have you shared the victory with others?
The resurrection of Jesus is a victory. Jesus beat sin and death, and it's something you should be proud of. However, there are Christians who are contented with their personal relationship with God and not worry about evangelizing to non-believers who have yet to hear the Good News.
Keep in mind that God's sacrifice isn't supposed to be a secret within your church or the Christian community. It is supposed to be shared. We are supposed to scream on top of our lungs how much God loves us. Think about it, have you been working hard to bring non-Christians to the Lord? If you haven't, now is the time to start.
5. Where does your happiness lie?
Are you happy if you buy something you think you deserve? Are you happy if you're earning more? This is temporary happiness, fleeting the moment you find something else that will give you joy. But, of course, you know that this isn't the end goal.
Easter is a time to celebrate and be happy for the victory. And yet, we still lose our sight of the ultimate prize – the Kingdom of Heaven. If you can work hard to earn things on Earth, the more you have to work hard to accumulate your riches in heaven. God promised us that he is already preparing Paradise for those who accept Him as their Savior and that we will spend eternity with him in Heaven. If that is not pure happiness, I don't know what is.
Reflect as much as you can and use these questions as guides to look deeper into your heart. Hopefully, after Easter Sunday, you'll have reinvigorated spirit to serve God more and be a better version of yourself in the process.
