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	<title>Christian &#8211; Yichengs Commonweal</title>
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	<description>Yicheng Commonweal &#124; Civic, Social and Spiritual Innovation for a Better World</description>
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		<title>4 Strange Reasons &#8216;Eye for an Eye&#8217; Does Not Bring Justice”</title>
		<link>https://wp.yichengs.org/4-reasons-bring-justice/</link>
					<comments>https://wp.yichengs.org/4-reasons-bring-justice/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Daohe]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Jan 2025 07:52:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Christian]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yichengs.orgdoes-an-eye-for-an-eye-bring-justice-or-cause-harm/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[This article is inspired by a video featuring a young girl who, after being mocked by her classmates, chose to retaliate with violence to bring justice. Her mother gave her an important lesson: Two wrongs don’t make a right. In life, we often encounter similar conflicts: when faced with wrongful actions or even injustice, how [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>This article is inspired by a video featuring a young girl who, after being mocked by her classmates, chose to retaliate with violence to bring justice. Her mother gave her an important lesson: Two wrongs don’t make a right.</p>



<p>In life, we often encounter similar conflicts: when faced with wrongful actions or even injustice, how should we respond? Some choose to compromise, others remain silent, while some believe the best way to defend themselves is &#8220;an eye for an eye&#8221; to bring justice.</p>



<p>In a society grounded in the rule of law and ethics, every member of society should understand one fundamental truth: just because others make mistakes doesn&#8217;t mean one should make mistakes too. This is a test from God and a responsibility each citizen carries while enjoying their rights. It reflects our collective dedication to upholding justice in society.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Not combating evil with evil is the cornerstone to bring justice</h2>



<p>The essence of the rule of law lies in limiting the abuse of power, restraining wrongdoing with justice, rather than allowing wrongdoings to cancel each other out. As citizens of the state, each of us has the right and responsibility to participate in society. The foundation of this right is the social order, centered on civilization and the rule of law.</p>



<p>The true mark of a civilized society lies in resolving conflicts through reason, dialogue, and structured systems, rather than resorting to violence. When faced with injustice, responding with force may appear justifiable, but it conveys a dangerous message—that violence can triumph over the principles and values that govern a civilized world. This approach ultimately erodes the moral fabric and legal foundation of society.</p>



<p>If everyone retaliated against wrongdoing with more wrongdoing, society would spiral into chaos, and the sound of people striking each other in anger would drown the voice of justice to. Ultimately, it is the members of society who would suffer the most. Violence and harmful actions are often emotional reactions born of pain and anger, rather than thoughtful solutions. They will bring more consequences. Therefore, when facing injustice, we should stick to our principles and defend to bring justice through lawful and righteous means.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-12657" src="https://yichengs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/bruno-ngarukiye-SHwUNL6b05Q-unsplash_compressed-1024x575.jpg" alt="" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. Injustice is a test of civic duties</h2>



<p>God granted us life with the purpose of becoming beacons of light. This light is seen not only in acts of individual goodness but also in our dedication to upholding social justice. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to care about public affairs and defend fairness and righteousness, never compromising our principles because of the misdeeds of others.</p>



<p>When we choose not to align ourselves with wrongdoing, we are not only living out our personal moral convictions but also setting a standard of righteousness for society. This choice is often difficult, as it requires us to endure pressure and misunderstanding from those around us. Yet this is precisely the test God places upon our souls: Are we willing to hold fast to the light in the midst of darkness? Do we have the courage to uphold to bring justice in the face of injustice?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. Citizen power drives social progress</h2>



<p>As citizens of a nation, we must exercise our power by overseeing social injustices, engaging in public affairs, and driving social change. When faced with injustice, we can choose to defend our rights through legal means, influence others’ perspectives through rational dialogue, and advocate for systemic improvement through collective social action.</p>



<p>While history does offer examples of social change driven by armed struggle, true societal progress depends on the improvement of institutions and adherence to rules, rather than actions driven by violence or emotion. Violence may bring about short-term reforms, but without rational planning and broad consensus, such changes are often unsustainable and susceptible to being undone by future turmoil. Anger can serve as a catalyst for action, and not bring justice but lasting transformation requires deep reforms in institutions, laws, and culture to build a more just and stable society.</p>



<p>At times, we may feel that our individual power is too small to change the status quo. Yet history teaches us that many great transformations began with the persistence of a single person. From Gandhi’s resistance to colonial rule to Rosa Parks’ fight for civil rights, they exercised their civic power to inject justice and hope into society. Their actions remind us that, in the face of injustice, the rational and lawful use of our rights is the most powerful weapon a citizen possesses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Kindness Is Our Collective Responsibility to Bring Justice</h2>



<p>We cannot justify our own wrongdoing simply because others have acted wrongly. This is not only a personal standard we set for ourselves but also a promise we make to society. When we choose kindness and to bring justice, our actions inspire others, creating a ripple effect of positive social interactions. Such choices bring inner peace and contribute to guiding society toward greater civility and fairness.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-10436" src="https://yichengs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/girl-closed-her-eyes-praying-outdoors-scaled-1-1024x680.jpg" alt="" /></figure>



<p>As the Bible teaches us, “<strong>To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God</strong>.” This is not only God’s guidance but also the attitude we, as citizens, should adopt. Kindness is not a sign of weakness, and to bring justice does not mean compromising. Faced with injustice, every decision we make plays a role in shaping the surrounding society.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion: Our Peace and Light Bring Justice</h2>



<p>This statement is not only a belief, but also a call to action. It reminds us that each of us bears the responsibility of improving society. As citizens of a nation, we must use our power to lawfully and rationally combat injustice, while safeguarding kindness and let the higher authority to bring justice.</p>



<p>God has granted us free will, empowering us to choose to be champions of kindness and light. Let us face injustice with courage, using our wisdom and resolve as citizens to bring about change. Every time we stand firm, we uphold the principles that bind society; every action we take sparks hope for the future. May we all strive to be citizens who stay true to our values, undeterred by the mistakes of others, and may we shine as beacons of light in the world.</p>



<p>Amen!</p>



<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Living by the Word: Finding True Spiritual Fulfillment</title>
		<link>https://wp.yichengs.org/word-spiritual-fulfillment/</link>
					<comments>https://wp.yichengs.org/word-spiritual-fulfillment/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Yicheng]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Nov 2024 02:29:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Christian]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yichengs.org?p=9376</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[This is an excerpt of a speech originally in Chinese given to Yicheng volunteers. It is slightly edited and revised. The speaker is Daohe. Today we will explore the topic “seeking fulfillment of the soul”. Thank you for your attendance. God bless us. May God be with us. In the Gospel of Matthew, during Jesus’s [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p><em>This is an excerpt of a speech originally in Chinese given to Yicheng volunteers. It is slightly edited and revised. The speaker is Daohe.</em></p>



<p>Today we will explore the topic “seeking fulfillment of the soul”. Thank you for your attendance. God bless us. May God be with us.</p>



<p>In the Gospel of Matthew, during Jesus’s forty days in the wilderness, the devil challenged Him to turn stones into bread and He utters a profound truth: &#8220;<strong>People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.</strong>&#8221; (Matthew 4:4). This statement invites us to explore what truly sustains us and offers a path to deeper fulfillment beyond our physical needs.</p>



<p>In modern society where every bit of physical desires can be easily met, people seem to become increasingly disconnected with the spiritual world. All of us are chasing after more money, better cars, bigger apartments, higher grades, getting promoted, etc. While these ambitions are all fine and rightful as the pursuit for a happier life and societal progress, <strong>spiritual forces are what truly guide a person’s life direction and unite human society.</strong></p>



<p>Human behaviors are always driven by invisible motives based on values. If these motives mostly stem from selfish drives, we are creating reality where everyone cares for only their own profits. If they stem from God’s wisdom, then we are more likely to create a paradise or God’s kingdom on Earth. </p>



<p>By truly living up to God’s Word, we find it necessary to reflect on our actions and choices all the time. Through reflection, we are able to correct our mistakes and redirect our life. We are driven to adopt the rightful way of living even facing life’s challenges and injustice, instead of flowing with circumstances. By doing so, we understand the weakness of human nature and the necessity of spiritual growth. </p>



<p>Living up to God’s Word means no longer living in a state of uncritically accepting external culture and conditions, but living with the guidance of morals and rightful values and actively changing the status quo according to God’s will, which is making the world a better place and bringing a brighter future of well-being. </p>



<p>Living up to God’s Word means not just loving oneself, but also trying to expand your love to others and the world. Driven by our sincere love, our capacity will be fully exerted and enable us to do all sorts of things that benefit others and the society. These actions will lead you to discover your true love and endless spiritual strength. In this way, we don’t just survive, but we are truly living a meaningful life.</p>



<p>Through following God’s Word, we are able to unlock our spiritual potential and thus are constantly on a journey of becoming a better soul and serving the world, which is the best part of being a human.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-9388" src="https://yichengs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/90bfc361_compressed-1024x683.jpg" alt="" /></figure>



<p>Living by God’s Word does not mean sacrificing our own time and happiness for other people’s benefits. Instead, it means allowing God’s wisdom to guide our way of living and inspire us to create more sustainable benefits and wealth for the world, which will benefit ourselves in return. We can start by:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Seeking God’s guidance through prayer</strong>: Regular praying to God helps us center our lives around His will and strengthens our connection to Him.</li>



<li><strong>Reflecting on Scripture</strong>: Spending time with Scripture deepens our understanding and allows us to apply God’s truth to our challenges.</li>



<li><strong>Serving others and foster societal progress</strong>: Jesus often demonstrated that true fulfillment comes from serving and loving others. By acting on God’s word, we make His love tangible in the world. Whenever you see the possibilities of improving lives, you are the one who is responsible for making it happen.</li>
</ul>



<p>As humans, we’re often tempted to fill spiritual voids with material solutions. Jesus’s response to temptation in the wilderness shows us a different way: a life rooted in faith and reliance on God’s word. By allowing His teachings to guide us and make the rightful actions, we find ourselves nourished in ways that lead us to true contentment and happiness.</p>
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			</item>
		<item>
		<title>Divine Heart, Divine Virtue, and Divine Actions: The Path of Practice to the True Self</title>
		<link>https://wp.yichengs.org/divine-heart-virtue-actions/</link>
					<comments>https://wp.yichengs.org/divine-heart-virtue-actions/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Master Wonder]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:50:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Christian]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://yichengs.org2024/10/23/divine-heart-divine-virtue-and-divine-actions-the-path-of-practice-to-the-true-self/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Within each of us lies an infinite potential, a potential that is no different from divinity itself. Everyone is able to awaken this Divine Heart, embody Divine Virtue, and bring the essence of divinity into our everyday lives through practice. As the Bible says, &#8220;man is created in the image of God&#8221;. It does not [&#8230;]]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Within each of us lies an infinite potential, a potential that is no different from divinity itself. Everyone is able to awaken this Divine Heart, embody Divine Virtue, and bring the essence of divinity into our everyday lives through practice. As the Bible says, &#8220;man is created in the image of God&#8221;. It does not refer to physical appearance but rather speaks to the potential for each of us to attain divine qualities. People are all born great, capable of manifesting the Divine Heart, Divine Virtue, and Divine Action. With practice and awakening, these qualities can emerge and transform our lives.</p>



<p><strong>Divine Heart: The Source of Inner Strength</strong></p>



<p>The Divine Heart is the purest part of our inner world. It represents compassion, selflessness, justice, and love. This heart is not the beginning of spiritual practice but the source of strength for our practice, the fundamental driving force behind all practice and efforts. The Divine Heart does not rely on external attainment; it resides deep within every soul, waiting to be awakened. As we gradually let go of the ego, dedicate ourselves to benefiting and serving humanity and the world, and transcend personal desires through practice, the Divine Heart naturally manifests itself.</p>



<p>The Divine Heart helps us maintain peace and compassion in the face of life’s challenges. It serves as our guide to keep integrity and love in the world, helping us regard life and others from a higher perspective. The manifestation of the Divine Heart signifies that we begin to resonate with universal love, transcending personal limitations, and entering into a state of harmonious coexistence with the world. Through meditation, introspection, and purification of the mind, practitioners continually awaken this Divine Heart, applying its power into every moment of life.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-6154" src="https://yichengs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/%E5%BE%AE%E4%BF%A1%E5%9B%BE%E7%89%87_20230919193218-1024x672.png" alt="" /></figure>



<p><strong>Divine Virtue: The Manifestation of Inner Awakening</strong></p>



<p>Divine Virtue is the external expression of the Divine Heart, the natural outflow of inner divine power. It is not the traditional concept of moral conduct but a noble quality that arises from within. Through Divine Virtue, practitioners show respect for life, care for others, and pursue justice. It is a morality that stems from a divine perspective, transcending personal interests and desires, reflecting an awakening to divinity.</p>



<p>Those who have Divine Virtue act with selfless love and tolerance toward everything around them. They are no longer bound by common societal norms, instead guided by the compassion and righteousness of the Divine Heart. Divine Virtue provides practitioners not only a path for spiritual growth but also enables them to become leaders and beacons in society. Their actions and qualities inspire others, helping more people awaken to their own divine potential.</p>



<p><strong>Divine Action: Living up to Faith</strong></p>



<p>Spiritual growth doesn’t stop at inner awakening—it must also be reflected in our actions. This is the essence of Divine Actions. Divine Actions are the practice of applying the Divine Heart and Divine Virtue to real-world situations. They are not merely about good deeds or charity, but rather actions taken with deep consideration for the well-being of others. This is the most challenging and powerful aspect of earthly spiritual practice and is what truly benefits humanity.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-6171" src="https://yichengs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/%E5%BE%AE%E4%BF%A1%E5%9B%BE%E7%89%87_20241022234530-1024x687.png" alt="" /></figure>



<p>Every act of help, every compassionate heart, is a manifestation of Divine Actions. Practitioners influence others and serve society through their actions in daily life. Divine Actions transform faith into the power of action, ensuring that every step they take is illuminated by the light of divinity. On this path, practitioners not only seek self-improvement but also strive to make the world a better place.</p>



<p><strong>The Great Potential of Life: Everyone Has the Potential to Become God</strong></p>



<p>Life is a journey of returning to the true self, of living out the divine within. Everyone has the potential of divinity—a heart full of compassion and universal love. Everyone is able to manifest Divine Virtue—exalted qualities and righteous behaviors. Everyone can practice Divine Action—transforming faith and awakening into meaningful actions to benefit the world. This spiritual path is the journey of living out the true self, a process that leads to greatness and divinity. Ultimately, those who embody the Divine Heart, Divine Virtue, and Divine Action have no difference with God, because they are able to transcend the self and merge with the truth of the universe, achieving a state of oneness with divinity.</p>



<p>&nbsp;</p>
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