Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom | Day 16 | A Relationship that Transcends Everything

In our reflection yesterday, we explored that the most precious and important things in life are not the pleasures and satisfactions that this world offers, but rather people and relationships. There is a saying: “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” This means that when we are in difficulties, those who reach out to help us are our true friends. It is evident that in times of adversity, what we desire most is not just material support but the presence of someone willing to stay by our side, walking with us through hardships. This is far more meaningful than anything else, and brings us comfort and strength.

However, experience tells us that such friends are rare, as a Chinese saying goes “something that can only be encountered, not sought.” They are gifts bestowed upon us by God, not something we can earn. In fact, friendship is not a transaction, and helping others should not be done with the expectation of return; rather, it should be a gift given unconditionally. We are most likely to find this kind of unconditional love in our closest relationships, such as between parents and children or between spouses. True love is demonstrated when one remains steadfast in love even through hardships. If the relationships and love we build in our lifetime can reach this level, we can consider ourselves to have lived without regrets! This is the kind of fulfillment that no material thing in the world can provide, an irreplaceable treasure in life!

How many in this world can truly experience this kind of transcendent love? Probably not many. Even if they do, it may only be temporary and “unreliable”. It is unreliable not only because people are fickle but also because every one of us has our weaknesses and limitations. Moreover, our ability to love, and to persevere in love is limited. Therefore, we cannot place our ultimate hope entirely in another person, not even our spouse, parents, or children!

The only one we can truly rely on is God, our Creator, who always puts us first and loves us unconditionally in all circumstances. Even when we were still sinners, when we did not recognize our sins or have any intention of repenting, He had already forgiven us and loved us. He even went so far as to die for us, crucified on the cross!
As St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, chapter 5, verse 8: “But God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

This God is the one we can completely trust, surrender to, and allow to take care of us. When our earthly lives come to an end, all our human relationships will not continue in the same form in heaven. The only relationship that remains constant will be our relationship with God. This is what we previously referred to as the “ultimate relationship.”

Therefore, on our earthly journey, the relationship we should invest the most time and effort in cultivating is not any other relationship but our intimate relationship with God. This is the only relationship that is eternal and never-ending.

The ultimate manifestation of this kind of relationship is seen in the martyrs, whose incredible and indescribable love for God transcended human limitations. They could endure physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering without fear because they had already entered into perfect union with God.


Reflection

What is the most important thing in your life? What is the most important relationship in your life?

Have you ever experienced “a friend in need is a friend indeed,” such as a friend helping you in a difficult time? What impact did this experience have on your life?

Would you like to find someone in this world who, no matter how you treat them, or even if you mistreat them, would never abandon you, and would even be willing to sacrifice their life for you unconditionally?


Today’s Prayer

Abba Father, today I want to give special thanks to You. Not only have You granted me the grace I need, but more importantly, You have blessed me with the relationships in my life. These relationships have helped me through many difficult times.

Today, I realize that these relationships are not something I am entitled to, but rather, they are carefully arranged by You! I realized how ungrateful I have been!

While enjoying the blessings and relationships You have given me, I have forgotten You… I have forgotten that You are my most important, ultimate relationship. This realization fills me with deep shame. I feel unworthy to face You…

Please grant me the courage to face myself and recognize that You are the ultimate relationship I can entrust my life to. Give me the courage to turn back to You and to receive the love You desire to pour out on me.


Music

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist / ‪@IntrovertPianist‬

"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi / ‪@88keystoeuphoria‬

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