A term often used to describe those who are pious or religious is, God-fearing. This expression implies that the person concerned fears God. That is not what one would expect from someone who is supposed to be close to God, for fear does not bring people together, rather it distances them from each other.
This expression is apparently the product of the view of God as a strict, retributive figure who must be obeyed at pain of the fires of hell.
But God is also known as the Father, Guide, Ocean of Mercy, Ocean of Love, the Benevolent One. And if one thinks about it, one feels that this must be His true form. If God were just a frowning disciplinarian waiting to pounce upon erring humans, why would he be called the Comforter of Hearts and Remover of Sorrow?
The Supreme Soul is the Father of all souls, and loves each one of His children infinitely more than a human can love his or her child. That is because He is completely pure. He sees only the best in His children. Knowing full well their flaws, He does not let that colour His vision. Rather, being merciful, He always wishes them well, and is ever ready to empower them so that they can overcome their weaknesses and become free of the sorrow they experience because of them.
Recognising this, many souls love God, and many more believe they love Him. But what does loving God mean? Is it just having sweet talk with Him and accepting His benevolence while doing nothing that He wants of us?
Love is a two-way street in which there is a fair give and take; otherwise, it becomes a selfish or even cynical relationship devoid of trust and respect.
Loving God means being obedient, faithful and loyal to Him. This may sound like a burden or even bondage, but it is not. God is the most loving parent; the guidance He gives is meant to shield us from harmful influences and the sorrow they bring, and help us become better human beings while living a happy life. With faith in His goodness, when we begin to live by His teachings, we are rewarded with a life of joy. We feel that we are walking holding His hand, and He is there to take care of our worries.
This love is spiritual, and does not involve anything physical. When we look at what we give God and what we get in return, it seems quite a bargain.
A lot of people remember God when nothing else works, and pray to Him in times of need. He is their helper of last resort. Chasing worldly desires, harried by their cares and worries and buffeted by frequent gusts of sorrow, they have drifted away from God, so they cannot approach Him naturally, the way a child goes to his father. Intimidated by fear, burdened by guilt and troubled by doubt, they relate to God through the contrived means of religious rituals, believing that is the right method. There is no meeting of hearts in such an interaction; instead, it is the relationship between a supplicant and a master.
It need not be so. God merely wants His children, that is us, to be happy and spread happiness all around. He shows us the way to be happy by first reminding us that we are souls, not bodies, and that we are His children. His powers and virtues are ours to have, if we connect with Him by remembering Him.
When souls regularly connect with God in this manner and draw His power, they are cleansed of harmful tendencies and become strong enough to overcome damaging ways of thinking and behaviour that weaken the soul, harm relationships, and bring sorrow.
Purified and empowered, the souls begin to experience lasting peace and joy. They are then able to share with others how and why to connect with God, and the untold benefits it brings to their lives.
B.K. Asha is Director of the Brahma Kumaris’ Om Shanti Retreat Centre in Gurugram, Haryana.