Filipino boxing champ and politician Manny Pacquiao is very proud of his Christian faith, and his social media posts are always detailing his spiritual journeys and musings.
On his Instagram account (@mannypacquiao), the boxer-turned-senator shared a photo of the Bible passage 1 Peter 1:22 to 25. He then writes, "Our devotion everyday and night is reading the scriptures and [meditating] on it. I learn a lot about the knowledge of the secret of the Kingdom of God. Thank you Lord Jesus."
Pacquiao was born and raised in the Roman Catholic faith. His parents separated when he was only in the sixth grade, and he soon discovered that his father was already living with another woman. His parents' tumultuous marriage would soon mirror his own, because Pacquiao indulged in a life of booze and women, much to the disappointment of his wife Jinkee.
However, Pacquiao underwent a complete change after reading Pastor Rick Warren's bestselling book "The Purpose Driven Life." The boxer was so moved by God's Word that he "cried through every chapter," according to Breaking Christian News.
Pacquiao accepted Jesus Christ into his heart after reading that book, and his thirst for the gospel became insatiable. "I have discovered that the Bible is the manual of life, and it has given me a lot of comfort, as well as lessons on being a better person," he said. "The Bible has shown me what my priorities should be so that I can live a better life. I am so much happier and at peace because I have embraced the Bible."
Even Warren was so impressed by Pacquiao's enthusiasm for God's Word that he once called the athlete a "Bible-quoting maniac."
Pacquiao willingly gave up his life of gambling, booze, and women, for God and devoted all of his time in serving the country not only through athletic feats, but also through service in government.
