I don’t remember ever not believing in Christ. I was raised in a strongly religious home and the gospel of Jesus Christ has always been a part of my life. And maybe because I was always accustomed to that, it never felt like anything out of the ordinary. During my teenage years I didn’t waiver in my faith, but I wondered why I didn’t have a large scale spiritual experience like so many of those around me spoke of having. Then as a 17 year old kid at church conference for youth, something changed. The conference director spoke on the last night that week of Christ and his great sacrifice for us, specifically on his crucifixion. While listening to this detailed account of Jesus’s suffering, I felt something I never had before. I understood and felt on a newfound level the sacrifice that Christ had done for me. I knew that He had given everything for me, and I felt an immense gratitude for His love.
My love and gratitude for Jesus Christ has continued to grow over time with that experience as a foundation for all I am. Not only did Christ give His life for me and you on the cross, but He went through unimaginable suffering for us in the Garden of Gethsemane. There he felt every pain and every heartache of mankind. I don’t know how exactly that occurred. I don’t understand how that perfect man could feel the weight of my grief and shortcomings in order to make me free. But even so, I know that it’s real. I have felt the power of His love and sacrifice in my life. I have felt His influence in my lowest of times as if He were sitting beside me saying, “it’s okay, I know exactly what you’re going through, and we’ll get through it together.” He is the Son of God, my Savior and Redeemer, and my friend. I love Him, and I wait anxiously for the day I may fall at his feet and give my total yet inadequate thanks.
Carsen
Salinas, California