"聖さとは神の性質に一致することです"

Holiness, at its core, is about aligning ourselves with God's character. It's not about perfection or following a strict set of rules, but about striving to embody the qualities that define God—love, kindness, justice, humility, and grace.

Historically, this idea has roots in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The Israelites were called to be holy because God is holy, which meant they were to reflect God's nature in their lives. Fast forward to the teachings of Jesus, and you'll find the same emphasis on embodying God's love and compassion in our interactions with others. This isn't just a religious concept; it's a deeply personal call to look at our lives and ask, 'How can I be more like the divine in my actions?'

Take, for example, the story of Mother Teresa. She dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India. Her actions weren't driven by a desire for recognition, but by a profound commitment to the character of God—love and compassion. She saw the face of God in every person she served, and her entire life was a testament to this kind of holiness. She didn't just preach about love; she lived it every single day.

So, how can we apply this wisdom? First, let's start small. Holiness isn't about grand gestures; it's about the little things we do every day. Think about how you can incorporate kindness into your daily routine. Maybe it's as simple as offering a smile to a stranger, lending a listening ear to a friend, or showing patience in a frustrating situation. Every small act of kindness is a step towards aligning with the character of God.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop, and the barista looks like they're having a rough day. Instead of just grabbing your coffee and rushing out, take a moment to ask how they're doing. A genuine conversation can brighten someone's day more than you'd expect. It's in these everyday interactions that we can practice holiness.

Think about this: it's a busy morning, and you're late for work. You see a colleague struggling with a stack of files. You have two choices—rush past or stop and help. If we aim to conform to the character of God, the choice becomes clear. You stop, help, and perhaps even make a new friend in the process. These moments, though seemingly insignificant, ripple out and create a culture of kindness and love.

Remember, we're not striving for perfection. We're aiming to reflect the character of God in our actions. It's a journey, not a destination. There will be days when we fall short, and that's okay. The key is to keep striving, keep reflecting, and keep aligning our actions with the divine qualities we admire.

So, next time you're faced with a choice—big or small—think about the character of God. Ask yourself, 'How can I bring a little more love, kindness, and grace into this situation?' You'll find that holiness isn't some distant, unattainable goal. It's right here, in the everyday moments, waiting for us to step into it.