“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)
This Easter, there’s much to celebrate. As restrictions ease and life returns to a semblance of normalcy, friends, families and communities come together to enjoy cherished Easter traditions.
While children search high and low for brightly colored eggs and dive into festooned baskets loaded with goodies, it’s more important than ever to acknowledge the significance behind the Easter holiday. One of the most important Christian festivals, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after sacrificing his life on the cross on Good Friday.
In honoring the resurrection of Jesus, Easter is more about hope and salvation — and less about chocolate bunnies and egg hunts. A key tenant of Christian faith tells us that humanity’s sins were paid for by the death of Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus also reminds us that believers may one day experience their own resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)
The Christian Tenant of Caring for One Another
As we gather with family, friends and our faith-based communities on Easter, we are right to celebrate this holiday as a time for joy and hope. In remembering the tremendous sacrifice made for humankind, Easter is also the ideal time to consider what we can do to help others.
To be part of a Christian community means sharing responsibility for one another — in challenging as well as prosperous times. Over and over again, the Bible calls on us to love one another, care for one another, provide for one another, and look not to our own interests but the to the interests of others. Easter reminds us of this call to selfless action.
While celebrating with your loved ones and community, there are many ways we can follow the example of the sacrifice of Jesus with selfless acts that put the interests of others before our own. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking.
- Donate to your favorite charity or find a new one to support.
- Donate Easter baskets to groups that help underserved children.
- Invite someone who lives alone or is isolated over for Easter dinner.
- Visit a senior living community to do Easter arts and crafts with the residents.
- Donate canned goods appropriate for an Easter meal to your local food pantry.
- Volunteer for a beach or park clean-up, or just pick up litter around your neighborhood.
- Get your children involved in performing random acts of Easter kindness.
“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” (Romans 8:11)
Christian Health Sharing Embodies the Easter Spirit
The lessons of Easter around selfless acts and caring for others reverberate with many faith-based communities — including Christian health sharing communities. Christian health share programs are rooted in the belief that as Christians, we look out for each other.
As part of a faith-based health sharing program, you not only share the costs of medical expenses with all members to help keep healthcare affordable. You also belong to a close-knit community of people who share similar values and beliefs, and who won’t hesitate to support each other during difficult times.
Learn more about the Christian principles of faith-based health sharing.