With fist-pounding arrogance many of us have been told, “If you don’t believe in Christ, you are going to hell,” or some similar statement. There are many professing Christians who sometimes use their biblical knowledge for their own egos. It makes them feel superior to those who do not share their views. The truth is, however, that despite the abuse of this knowledge, this really is what the Bible teaches – just not in an abusive way. To be sure, the message of Christ can be offensive because it essentially confronts us with our imperfections and tells us that we either need to be saved from our imperfections or suffer separation...

In a culture where revenge and retaliation are highly valued (Kill Bill, anyone?), it isn’t popular to promote kindness and patience towards those who are angry with us, especially when we are truly being wronged. But ironically this is exactly what Solomon learned in his wisdom. Why is this so? Because at the core, anger is a very strong emotion that influences our ability to think rationally and lovingly. If uncontrolled, anger causes us to act and speak impulsively, and often we damage ourselves and others in the process. Proverbs 14:29 says, “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts...

In recent months I have struggled with deep discouragement. It is the kind of repeated discouragement that is compounded by common imperfections of my life that I have failed to overcome. It is the kind of discouragement that comes from knowing with 100% certainty that I will fail again, and I will have to build the courage to make another attempt. What makes this even more difficult is that knowing that I will fail crushes almost any desire I have to try. I do not consider myself a weak person, at least in some respects. But I have failed hundreds and even thousands of times. By the grace and strength of God I have gotten up time and time...

A crucial point on the path to contentment is the battle against anxiety, which is defined as incessant concern and fear over life challenges. Anxiety is basically the fear of feeling out of control of difficult circumstances. In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul gives some interesting advice about dealing with anxiety. He says, 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will...