Loving God and hating the devil are inseparable.
If you are not generous and have no heart for the poor and penniless, outcast and victims, abused, deserted and famished, you are likely not a Christian (yet) after all, much less if you are unmoved by evils in society and government (and churches).
Walang Kristiyanong kuripot (just as there are no Christians who are blind and subservient to despotic, crooked, politicized religious leaders). Ilokano man ay kayang baguhin ng Diyos kapag pumasok at nanahan si Kristo sa puso niya. Samakatuwid, walang anak ng Diyos na “Ilokano” pagdating sa pagbibigay at pagiging matulungin. Lalo na, walang kurakot.
One of the distinct marks/proofs of being a genuine believer and follower of Jesus Christ is selflessness — toward God and fellowman. It is in the heart (of love, compassion and generosity) that you are best tested and proven as a minister of the Gospel, a child of God and as a church — not in your sermons, doctrines, buildings or religiosity (lip-service). John 3:16.
Funny, some Christians use their being Ilocano to justify their being stingy and selfish (still).😀 Others, for their coldheartedness and unwillingness to drop even a coin to street children and beggars, would always think and say, “they are part of syndicates” or “it’s the responsibility of the government.” For the uncaring and callous, giving assistance to the poor means sheer “mendicancy.” Endless excuses.
I’m sorry, my father was a pure Ilocano. Yet when he became a Christian, he became one of the most generous and selfless persons I have ever known. Even on his deathbed, his thoughts were for others, not himself.
As He was hanged on the cross, shortly before He gave up the ghost, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do …” – Luke 23:34
“… Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.” – Deuteronomy 15:11
“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” – Luke 14:13
Nobody is too impoverished, too weak, too sick and too dying to be unable to give, and forgive. That is, if one has Christ residing and living in his/her heart, indeed. Authentic Christianity is the Christianity of the Bible.
And, to the government (national and local), please: Will you prioritize this year, using your gigantic “budget,” the building of schools and hospitals (even small/medium) in far flung areas, both rural and urban, as your way of truly caring for people whom Christ cares for and loves first and foremost (Luke 4:18) — the poor, destitute and marginalized among us, Filipinos — in deserted, neglected, forgotten communities of the country?
That is progress and development (clear and promising) if you do that, dear BBM.
P.S.
Stop corruption.
