World Religion Day… Hello to my readers on this World Religion Day. You may wonder if this is something new but it isn’t! It went on the calendar in 1950 and has been there ever since. It was instituted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baháʼís of the United States to promote unity and understanding among all faiths in the world. So, why does this day matter so much? Let’s think about it…

When you believe in a higher power—whether divine or secular—it gives you a feeling of control and a sense that life is inherently meaningful. Regardless of color, creed, or culture, the history of humanity is a history of searching for something unifying and timeless that adds meaning and richness to our lives. For centuries, many religions have served that need.

Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Hindus, Jews—all follow different religions and practice different beliefs, but they are universally bonded by a common theme—their Faith! Why? Because Faith is the light that never goes out, the beacon in the darkest night, the anchor in the stormiest seas, and the shelter in the fiercest storm. Faith is what gives us the courage to do the right thing without reward or recognition, to stand stoic and unwavering in the face of scorn, and to hold fast to our beliefs and convictions when pushed to the limits of our endurance.

One of my favorite things about Faith is the consolation of the lonely, the balm for a wounded soul, the strength that can turn any tide, and the voice inside that urges us to carry on when all seems hopeless and lost. Growing up in Faith, I learned that it has the courage of a lion, the might of a mountain, and burns as fierce as the brightest star. It is a bottomless well of inspiration and nourishment we can all draw upon, and it is the very essence of our Faith and is something we need to share all over the world. That’s why the World Religion Day is needed and the joy of it being a global celebration helps us to understand other faiths and be reminded that God loves all people because God created everything including humans on this ball we call earth! We need to promote understanding and harmony rather than dissing someone else’s religion. As people of faith in God, we are to share the love of God and share the precious gospel that we have. Too often we want to shove our faith into others as if our denomination is the only one that knows God. That ends up with hostility and gets nowhere for the Gospel to help others. Yet, God is blessing us to bless others so it is so important that we find peace and strive towards the greater good. It’s time to forget our differences and concentrate on our own similarities that can bind us together instead of pushing us apart. On this day, think of how Faith has enriched your life. What does it do for you and how can you share that with someone who needs to know about God?

Rob Sellers is a professor of theology and is a past chair of the board of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. I love what he says about religions: “It is risky to take a stand that goes against the norm. But it is the right thing for me to do. My friends who are followers of other faiths deserve a Christian voice that affirms and celebrates their good lives. God loves them, and so do I.”

So, what would Jesus say about all of this? “Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world. James 1:26-27 [MSG]

In other words, God loves others and so should we! AMEN.