Easter or the Resurrection Sunday, is a day when Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death.
This happens three days after His death on Good Friday. Easter is formally preceded by Lent – a period of prayer, reparation, fasting and charity. A period when we deny ourselves of many earthly pleasures in order to walk with Christ.
Consequently, the significance of Easter cannot be farfetched, as it is a time of renewed hope, faith and new life. It teaches us that as Christians, we can overcome our trials and tribulations on earth.
Jesus Christ’s triumph over death grants us a new hope of eternal life. This renewed hope drives us positively in our journey through life.
Understandably, we are plagued with numerous worrying complexities of life. Coupled with our own despair and feeling of worthlessness, that we wonder if at all there is God or has He forsaken us.
The answer to this therefore lies in the undoubted hope the joy of Easter brings to our life.
It is however important to understand that Easter is not just about us. We should therefore strive to extend this hope and joy that comes with the resurrection of Jesus Christ to others.
How to extend the feeling of hope to others
Some ways through which we can help others partake in this feeling of hope are:
Alms-giving
Clearly, Easter is a joyful period, and it comes with lots of enjoyment, feasts, drinks and the likes.
However, in our merriment, we should not forget the poor and the wretched.
Giving alms is a huge way to extend a beacon of hope to these individuals who are in dire need of help in whatever form.
Endeavour to put smiles on the faces of people who are lost in poverty and hopelessness.
Through this means, the message of Christ as hope for mankind is carried far and wide.
Companionship
In addition to giving alms, we should try and spend some time with the lonely and the dejected.
Some people really need to talk to or be with someone.
Some feel so worthless and empty that even 30 minutes or less of companionship would go a long way to alleviate their situation.
Seek out these persons and give them listening ears. Counsel them if you have to, and pull them away from the verge of despair.
Empathy
Empathy is another powerful way of extending hope to others.
By identifying with the problems, emotions and thoughts of others, we tend to make them feel seen, heard and important.
We should in fact be careful with our words and deeds towards others. By so doing, we keep Christ’s love and hope alive in others.
In a situation whereby you find it difficult to identify with a person’s situation, the best thing to do is to encourage them with soothing words of hope. This is without question, better than downplaying their condition.
To conclude, Easter brings renewed hope and faith in our lives. It is a time when we are reminded that even in our despondency and darkest time, there is light and hope for us. It reminds us that we can face whatever life throws at us and come out stronger.
A wonderful Easter celebration to us all!
