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The concept of a personal relationship with the divine is central to many faiths, but often feels distant or abstract. For many Christians, that connection is profoundly rooted in understanding God’s love and sacrifice, particularly as demonstrated through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This understanding isn’t simply intellectual assent, but a call to a deeply personal and all-encompassing love – a love that extends beyond mere sentiment and permeates every aspect of life.

At the heart of this connection lies the recognition of God’s grace and generosity. The willingness of God to offer forgiveness and redemption through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is seen not as a legal transaction, but as an act of profound love. This foundational belief shapes how believers approach their faith, moving beyond ritualistic observance to a genuine, heartfelt devotion. Understanding this sacrifice is key to understanding the meaning of the cross, an instrument of execution transformed into a symbol of hope and salvation.

This isn’t a passive acceptance, however. Loving God, according to theological perspectives, requires engagement of the entire being – heart, mind, soul, and strength. A “heart full of love is no excuse for an empty mind,” emphasizing the importance of thoughtful consideration and understanding of faith. It’s a commitment that demands intentionality and a willingness to hold nothing back in devotion. This holistic approach to love is rooted in scripture, specifically Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which calls for loving “the LORD your God” with all of one’s being.

But what does it indicate to truly *sense* God as a personal Lord, rather than a distant creator? The invitation is to move beyond viewing God as a remote force and embrace the intimacy of a “Father and child” relationship. This personal connection isn’t about seeking favors or escaping hardship, but about recognizing a loving presence that offers guidance, comfort, and unwavering support. The significance of the cross, as detailed in numerous biblical verses, underscores this intimate connection through sacrifice and redemption.

The Cross as a Foundation for Relationship

The Christian understanding of the cross isn’t focused on suffering for its own sake, but on the demonstration of God’s love and justice. As explained by GotQuestions.org, God’s justice demanded a reckoning for sin, and His love provided the solution through Jesus Christ. This act of propitiation – satisfying divine justice – opens the door for a restored relationship with humanity. The cross, isn’t merely a historical event, but a continuous invitation to reconciliation.

This concept echoes the Old Testament practice of sacrifice, particularly the Passover, where the blood of a lamb offered protection from death. Jesus is often referred to as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29), signifying His role as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. This imagery highlights the intentionality of God’s plan for redemption and the depth of His love for humanity. The verses about the cross of Christ emphasize this central tenet of faith.

Living Out a Life of Love

The call to love God with all one’s being isn’t a one-time declaration, but a daily commitment. As Luke 9:23 states, believers are called to “deny [themselves], and capture up [their] cross daily, and follow [Jesus].” This daily commitment involves a conscious effort to prioritize God’s will, to resist worldly temptations, and to live a life of selfless service. It’s a continuous process of surrendering to God’s guidance and allowing His love to transform one’s heart and mind.

This transformation isn’t about adhering to a rigid set of rules, but about cultivating a heart that reflects God’s character. It’s about extending grace and compassion to others, seeking justice for the oppressed, and living a life that honors God in all things. As BibleHub notes, the cross serves as a reminder of God’s love and grace, and is central to Christian worship.

connecting with God isn’t about finding a formula or achieving a certain level of spiritual attainment. It’s about recognizing and responding to the love that has already been offered. It’s about embracing the intimacy of a personal relationship with a loving Father who desires to walk alongside us throughout eternity.

As we continue to explore our faith, may we remember the profound sacrifice made on the cross and strive to live lives that reflect the love and grace we have received. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and sense free to share this article with others who may be seeking a deeper connection with God.

The EDSA Shrine, a familiar landmark for commuters in Metro Manila, holds a powerful history often overlooked in the daily rush. While many pass by it on their way to work or school, the site was once a vacant lot that served as a crucial gathering place during the 1986 People Power Revolution, witnessing the courage of nuns, youth, and ordinary citizens who stood against a decades-long dictatorship.

Forty years after that pivotal moment, the EDSA Shrine remains a potent symbol of peaceful resistance and faith. Recent reports highlight ongoing reflections on the legacy of People Power, as the Philippines marks the anniversary of this transformative event. This year, however, plans for a unified commemoration have fallen through, with progressive groups diverging in their approaches to protest and messaging, as reported on February 22, 2026 by Newswav.

Rappler reporter Dwight de Leon recently visited the shrine, documenting its significance as a reminder of the Catholic faithful’s role in toppling the Marcos regime. His report, shared on February 22, 2026, underscores how an empty space became a focal point for a nation demanding change.

The story of the EDSA Shrine’s origins is a testament to the power of collective action. In February 1986, as protests against President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Swelled, nuns and young people took a stand on what was then an undeveloped piece of land along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). They offered prayers, food, and shelter to demonstrators, becoming a visible symbol of moral support for the burgeoning revolution. This act of defiance, documented by Dwight de Leon in his reporting for Rappler, helped galvanize public opinion and ultimately contributed to the peaceful ouster of Marcos.

The National Lottery of Ireland is offering players a chance to win €5,000 in a bonus draw, automatically entered with any online Instant Win Game purchase between February 21st and February 28th, 2026. The draw, to be conducted under the supervision of KPMG on March 2nd, 2026, aims to incentivize participation in the lottery’s online instant games.

Players who participate in any Instant Win Game on the lottery’s website, lottery.ie, or through the National Lottery’s mobile applications will receive one entry into the bonus draw, regardless of the number of games played or the amount spent. The winner will be contacted directly via email or phone, with their county of residence announced publicly following the draw.

The promotion coincides with recent lottery results. On Saturday, February 21st, 2026, the Irish Lotto main draw yielded numbers 7, 32, 35, 41, 44, and 45, with a bonus number of 31. The Lotto Jackpot stood at €10,690,336, with no jackpot winners reported. Lotto Plus 1 featured numbers 8, 9, 17, 18, 33, and 46, with a bonus of 6, while Lotto Plus 2 drew 14, 18, 20, 28, 41, and 42, with a bonus of 16. The Lotto Raffle code for the draw was 0125, awarding €500 to 93 winners.

EuroMillions results from Friday, February 20th, 2026, showed a jackpot of €130,000,000 with no winner. The winning numbers were 13, 24, 28, 33, and 35, with Lucky Stars 5, and 9. A player in Cork matched 5 numbers plus one Lucky Star, winning €161,198. The EuroMillions Plus top prize of €500,000 was won by a player in Dublin.

The National Lottery’s Instant Win Games are available to play online, offering a variety of game types and potential prizes. Terms and conditions for the €5,000 Bonus Draw are available on the lottery’s website.