Living in Anticipation of God’s Future Essay Example

influenced by the concept of hope. He argues that hope serves as our present happiness, as it allows us to anticipate God's future. Despite experiencing suffering, we should not isolate ourselves or focus solely on our hardships. Instead, we should find hope within our suffering and maintain a positive attitude. By relying on our hope in God's future, we can find comfort and navigate each day with determination.

Despite the negative circumstances that surround us, we are able to maintain our resilience and hope in God's promise. The wars, violence, poverty, and hunger that we witness should not diminish our ability to perceive. Instead, we should find solace in the understanding that these experiences connect us more deeply with the suffering endured by Jesus on the cross. Moltmann's perspective suggests that those who are poor and oppressed should not despair about their situation.

Instead of fighting against it, those who are impoverished and oppressed should welcome their suffering and find comfort in it. Just like the prophets in ancient times who faced difficulties and embraced their destiny, they too must endure in order to contribute to bringing about God's ultimate purpose for the world. Eckardt (p. 23) states that this involves actively engaging in the forthcoming moment of divine fulfillment by aligning ourselves with Christ's pain. By doing this, we position ourselves to be included in the future that God has planned for us.

Moltmann stresses the significance of actively pursuing and working towards God's future, rather than passively waiting or isolating oneself from the world. He advocates for actively revitalizing our lives and the circumstances we live in to align with this future. Moltmann also encourages engaging

in acts of service for others as a way of acknowledging our own realities and not exempting anyone from this duty, regardless of their circumstances. According to Moltmann, we should not just sit idly by and anticipate God's arrival.

We should live our lives in line with God's will, acquiring knowledge from our errors and interacting with fellow individuals. It is crucial to actively contribute towards God's forthcoming plans, ensuring that we are prepared when the time arrives. The less fortunate face the task of discovering bravery and optimism, while assisting others to the best of their abilities instead of confining themselves to their own sorrows. Conversely, those who possess wealth or enough resources encounter the challenge of empathizing with impoverished individuals by offering aid, alleviating their pain, and fulfilling their requirements.

When it comes to the Christian lifestyle, there are two main ways to prepare for the future according to God. The first way is to focus on our own personal lifestyle, while the second way emphasizes living in a community. It is important for our community to be just as strong and committed as each individual member in actively participating in God's future. Individually, we have the freedom to accept or reject decisions that come our way. This freedom should be used to turn away from worldly things that do not bring us closer to God, as Paul instructs Titus (Titus [insert verse]).

In order to live in the current era with self-control, righteousness, and godliness (Titus 2:12), it is necessary for us to abstain from ungodly behavior and worldly desires. Each of us has been granted by God the freedom to make choices. Nonetheless, He

has also given us a moral guide that allows us to differentiate between what is right and wrong. Our final destination is influenced by these moral choices. To embrace a promising future, we must let go of the aspects of this world that put our well-being at risk.

Having positive relationships with one another is essential for us who believe in God's future. As stated by Peter in 1 Peter 3:8, it is important that we live harmoniously and demonstrate qualities such as sympathy, compassion, and humility. Our duty is to love others and show kindness even to those who may not show it in return. Additionally, James warns against criticizing or judging our fellow believers as it goes against the law and leads to condemnation.

According to James 4:11, judging the law makes us its judge instead of its doer. Therefore, we should refrain from passing judgment on others because it is not our role. Only God possesses the authority to judge. Rather than criticizing and judging, we ought to display compassion and humility towards each other. Both forgiveness and these virtues are in line with how we should lead our lives.

By examining the depiction of Jesus' death, we can learn important lessons about living with anticipation. A central aspect of this concept is forgiveness, which Jesus exemplifies completely. Even during his crucifixion, Jesus establishes a precedent by saying, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Despite experiencing immense suffering, Jesus fervently prays for the forgiveness of those accountable for his demise.

The challenge posed by Moltmann is to forgive everything and let our hope in God's future inspire us to sacrifice and help

others, regardless of their actions. However, not everyone has this hope, which leads to reluctance in sacrificing and helping others. Many see suffering as a consequence of society's greed, rather than an inherent part of life.

Believing that removing greed can bring hope to the poor and the oppressed is a more practical approach. By condemning poverty and suffering, we can help others envision the future that God envisions. Although Moltmann's methods to achieve this hope in God's future may seem impractical, I believe it would be more effective to teach about hope by emphasizing its essence in our current lives, rather than urging people to suffer as Christ did on the cross.