Title: Three basic virtues of life
Zechariah (22) The three basic virtues of life (Zechariah 7:8-14)
<Three basic virtues of life>
Fasting is not a fast to achieve one's requirements, but a struggle to make even one's requirements invisible and only God can be seen. Also, fasting is a sign of determination to live according to God's will. The important content of fasting is not ‘devotion and effort’, but ‘decision’. Fasting is not ‘a sincere tool for problem-solving’ but ‘a decision to change goals and change values’. In other words, what kind of life you lead after fasting is more important than the fasting process. Therefore, God emphasizes that fasting is more important than external rituals, and he especially mentions three basic virtues.
1. Definition
First, God recommends a sincere judgment (verse 9). This verse is about living uprightly and righteously. What is the definition? Are you on the side of the weak? no. It is precious to take the side of the weak, but it is not justice. Many social movements have side effects because of misunderstandings about justice. Justice is to judge accurately and justly. Justice is only to take the side of the truth, with no bias to favor the rich or the poor.
When I was young, my two daughters sometimes fought. Sometimes it is difficult to determine exactly who is at fault. At that time, we need to seek God's wisdom and make the right judgment so that we can lead our children to the right path without hurting them. It is important to seek truthful judgment when interests and interests conflict. It is difficult for human beings to make righteous judgments because they are weak, but we must humbly seek God's wisdom and judge rightly each time.
2. love
It is impossible to live a happy life only with right and just judgment in life. Because all humans are fragile beings. Realizing that fact, you must have a heart to show kindness and compassion on the basis of justice (verse 9). Conflicts arise in life. Then take up your cross and try to accomplish God's will based on love and forgiveness.
When two daughters fight, there must have been a daughter who was responsible for the fight. If so, it seems like we need to find out the cause of the fight and sort out the daughter who is more at fault. But when I think of human fragility and the immaturity of my young daughter, I feel pity for both daughters who fight and need to be covered with love. It is important to judge with such honesty and justice, but always have a heart of kindness and compassion.
3. Serving
God emphasizes serving our neighbors in need as the basic virtue of life (verse 10). God blesses those who are served, but he also blesses those who serve. 'Integrity of service' is a more precious source of blessing than 'complete consciousness'. In order to save a wounded soul, it is necessary to cry together and to grieve together, but the best way is to serve. If we serve God and serve our neighbors, the darkness will disappear and the work of light will unfold soon.
One day, a monk asked an old-fashioned shoemaker who had been given the title of a saint. "grandfather! How did you get the title of saint from people?” Then Grandpa replied with a smile. “I don't know why people call it that. But whenever people entrust me with their shoes, I always mend them with the heart of mending Jesus’ shoes.” The best service makes even a humble person the greatest saint.
God wants us to practice a life of justice, love, and service rather than outward rituals. Because they did not listen to the word, the Israelites received great wrath, their prayers were blocked, and the land became desolate (verses 11-14). If you stay away from the Word, your anxiety increases, your life becomes dark, and your life becomes flat in various places. On the other hand, if you keep the Word well, your troubles will be solved, your life will be light, and your prayers will be answered quickly. And before the prayer is answered, the heart is already happy. The content of your life depends on your choices and decisions. At the moment of choice and decision, always make the choice and decision according to the Word.