Well-being is Grace: God’s first gift to humankind

Looking closely at the big picture, the fields of philosophy, psychology, allied health, education, and the natural and social sciences are drawn toward the same thing as a goal—the welfare and flourishing of humanity. Notably, almost all sensible leaders of social and business organizations profess to serving a similar mission. Still, over and above everything, we know, the phenomenon of grace exists, that is, the divine gift of abilities and generous provisions. Quite often, we feel we don’t deserve them. Even so, grace remains essential in the thriving and flourishing of humanity.

At birth, when we first saw a flicker of light, our fragile self is wrapped around God’s embrace. It’s hard to fathom how a newborn can sense a tough shift from a mother’s soothing womb to a much larger and less gentle world that the light gradually brings to life. The reality is that our human dignity, health of body and spirit, nature’s beauty, protection, and security are intricately woven early into the fabric of our life experiences.

Well-being presupposes an integration of one’s life experiences, mostly reflecting high standards of behavior and strengths in character. In the Christian tradition, when a believer’s contrite heart accepts God’s unconditional love, character and virtues are developed to become aligned with God’s plan.

Being alive, well, and functioning enables us to fulfill the tasks necessary for our continuing growth and development. When unwell, things would be in disarray. Truly, well-being is a basic endowment of human beings created and loved by God. In this kind of loving relationship, we come to know who we are as God meant us to be.

Life is God’s space, not ours. We often falter around it, we encounter failures, while success surprises us several times, and He sees. We win in some of life’s games; in losing, we shed a tear, but unscathed, and able to smile moments and mornings after. At times, wounded but saved no less. God sets the rules of the field in his own terms.

Humankind is God’s first love. He created us to be like him in every aspect, as good and well beings. The well-being of grace is his first gift. What we shall choose to become should be our gift to Him.

Maris C. Tanangco, [email protected]