Before any big fight, Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao undergoes extreme physical training to ensure that he can give his opponent a good fight. But more important than this, the Christian boxer also subjects himself to intense spiritual training.
On his Instagram account (@mannypacquiao), the boxer shared a photo of himself reading the Bible intently. He captioned it: "Reading God's Word everyday is what gives me strength. Without God I am nothing."
In an earlier post, Pacquiao was seated on a plane and had a Bible in hand once again. "Reading God's Word," he captioned it, and added the verse Psalms 119:105. It says: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Before he became a Christian, Pacquiao indulged in numerous vices— including gambling, booze and women—much to the dismay of his wife Jinkee.
He became a world-acclaimed boxer before converting to Christianity. But when he did, Pacquiao underwent a complete transformation. He gave up his old self and became a more committed husband and father.
The boxer now constantly participates in charity work, attends church with his family, and shares the Gospel every chance he can.
That is why whenever Pacquiao looks back on his life, he feels extremely humbled by the blessings God showered him with. He has committed himself to share these blessings with his countrymen.
He earlier posted a throwback photo of himself when he was only 10 years old on his social media account. He wrote, "This picture was taken when I was 10 years old. Thank you God for everything you have done in my life, beyond my imagination. The blessings you gave me. Thank you Lord."
He capped the post with a verse in Galatians 5:13-14. It says: "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'"
