This week: Tests of Faith Edited by: Jeff  
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"Only a real risk tests the reality of a belief."
-- C.S. Lewis
About The Editor: Greetings! My name is Jeff and I'm one of your regular editors for the official Spiritual Newsletter! I've been a member of Writing.com since 2003, and have edited more than 400 newsletters across the site during that time. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via email or the handy feedback field at the bottom of this newsletter! 
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Tests of Faith
The C.S. Lewis quote at the top of each of my Spiritual Newsletters is one of my favorites. It's often at the top of my mind, especially during difficult seasons. I'm in one of those seasons right now. Without getting too much into the weeds of a complicated situation, our church is being tested on just how much it truly believes in the Christian ideals of forgiveness, grace, and redemption. What is unfortunately becoming very apparent is that my church community preaches on those ideals really well, but is having a difficult time actually living them out.
A pastor friend of mine likes to say, "Loving your friends is easy; anyone can do that. Loving our enemies is the real challenge that we're called to as Christians." And it may seem like a simple statement but it really is difficult to live out. Imagine not just someone you dislike (the person who cut you off in traffic, the coworker who always microwaves leftover fish for lunch, etc.) but that you'd consider a true enemy. The boss that threw you under the bus and fired you to cover for his own mistake. The significant other who left you for the person they cheated on you with. The toxic family member who made growing up a living hell. How do you love someone like that?
That's a difficult question to answer, and is largely dependent on circumstances and what work the Holy Spirit needs to do in us and the people around us to make that a possibility. There are all kinds of complications and ethical/moral questions that kind of thing stirs up, and it's so much easier to just go on hating them. But then there are the stories of radical redemption and reconciliation that prove loving one's enemies is possible and leads to something greater. That doesn't mean it's always achievable, though, and it doesn't mean that every Christian lives up to (or even aspires) to that standard.
Outside of a Christian context, many other religions have the same challenges, where there are lofty ideals or standards in place that we aspire to, and often fail to reach. Our faith is tested in those moments, and ultimately becomes stronger or weaker depending on how it plays out. As the C.S. Lewis quote implies above, things that are low risk and easy won't test your faith; it's stretching into those areas that are uncomfortable where real transformation is possible. You find out what you really believe by seeing where those limits take you.
There will be times in your life where your faith is tested. I've personally been there before, I'm there right now, and I'll doubtlessly be there again at some point in the future. I've failed those tests before and I'll fail them again. But whether you succeed or fail, the test itself and your effort in it is what reveals the thing you truly believe. If you believe in forgiveness and grace and redemption, you're called to forgive and give grace even when you don't want to (and even when the other person doesn't deserve it). If you believe in love, you're called to love others even when they drive you crazy. If you believe in justice, you're called to stand up for the right thing, even when it's difficult or unpopular.
Most people hate tests of faith. Heck, most people hate tests in general.  But tests are where you find out what you really believe, and what you really know. The next time you're tested on something, consider it an opportunity to evaluate where you stand on your beliefs and let that reorient you toward the work you still need to do to get where you actually want to be.
Until next time,
Jeff
If you're interested in checking out my work:
"New & Noteworthy Things" | "Blogocentric Formulations"
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I also encourage you to check out the following items:
EXCERPT: Gaius walked between the two rows of books on shelves carrying an oil lamp. Dust and cobwebs clung to the books. He felt a presence pass from behind and he jerked around-nothing.
EXCERPT: Growing up, I always considered myself much more like my dad than my mum. And, to an extent, I was. I mean, I have the nose, the ears, eye shape, hands. I also have a quick sense of humour, which is something Dad had. These kinds of things, I believe are very much nature. Our physical features are pre-determined, the moment of conception. I find that so cool. My hair is the same colour as Mum’s. We both have blue eyes, though mine are really dark and Mum’s, the blue of a pale winter sky. But,hair and eye colour; those were just about all I thought I’d inherited from her.
EXCERPT: When I hear of the death of a family member or friend, I often ask myself, “Why am I still here?” Why now? Is there something I’m supposed to be doing that I haven’t completed yet?
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Feedback from "Spiritual Newsletter (December 27, 2023)" about forgiveness:
Great subject, Jeff! Forgiveness is the best thing we can do for ourselves, let alone the ones to be forgiven. Luckily I learned it early enough in my life.
The reminder about forgiveness is one I needed. Thank you for the why explanation. Very helpful since this came in on the last day of the year so I can start fresh tomorrow. Great job Jeff.
This was a hard lesson for me in my middle age years. I had to learn it the hard way but I had a loving heavenly father that knew the best way to teach me. I know the power and the blessing of giving (even when no one knows but me) and receiving forgiveness. I hope others learn this valuable lesson
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