Refiner’s Fire

Refiner’s Fire

by: Grace Sombero Demegillo

 

 

February 6, 2015: SFC Oman First Chapter Assembly

6th of February 2015, first Friday of the month marks the first Single for Christ (SFC) Oman chapter assembly. 25 SFCs attended the assembly and with the presence of our CFC-SFC couple coordinators, Tito Chong and Tita Mil Zamora, and a Full Time Worker, Bro. Ernie. It was held at Porta Cabin 11, Ghala Parish.

The assembly starts at 1:30pm and it begins with an opening prayer, praise and worship songs. Before the talk, each SFC member had a simple self introduction. MJ, our youngest SFC member and the host for the assembly, introduced to us our guest speaker, Bro. Ernie. His talk, entitled “Refiner’s Fire” led us to think about its meaning and ponder on what and who is “Refiner’s Fire”? Jesus himself is the “Refiner’s Fire”. He is like the refiner and purifier of silver and gold. He comes to purify men like silver and gold and bring them to righteousness. He sets and tests men on fire and eventually refines them as tested until they will realize that He is God.

“Refiner’s Fire” talks about the depth of virtues about sex, love, chastity, and modesty. When sex is talked about it is either a sensitive, controversial issue or a topic that needs guidance. Men do talk about sex. Whether in a marriage relationship or not, people engage in sex. As Bro. Ernie said a person who lacks love and is seeking for love and attention from family and loved ones, may divert ones direction and find oneself to different kind of love. This is not what God wants. From the book of Genesis 1:28 “God blessed them and said to them,

“Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

God gave us the freedom to be fruitful and multiply. Sex is sacred. It should be done between husband and wife under the Sacrament of Matrimony. It should be done with faithfulness, fidelity, love, respect, and trust between two people.

Another striking topic is the virtue of LOVE. Our body is designed by God to communicate love. As stated from the talk, it is not love if you use others as an object. Love if you see others as a person. Not love if you abuse the person. Love if you respect others. Not love if you think of yourself interest first. Love if you think of and serve others first than yourself. Love is selfless and also about receiving. Jesus love is free, total, faithful, and fruitful. His love is unconditional.

Thirdly, chastity as described is a virtue, saying yes to authentic or real love. It is a state of refraining from extramarital practices. Sexual behavior of a man and woman should be acceptable to the moral standards of one’s culture, tradition and religion. It is true that when in loving oneself, one should know ones values first. A person could not transpire pure love if he himself doesn’t know his values. There are ways to practice the virtue of chastity as shared from the talk:

          a) Do not ask a lot of questions.

          b) Keep your brain clean.

          c) Examine your conscience every night.

          d) Receive the Sacrament of Confession.

          e) Be awesome!

          f) Look to Christ! It challenges us all to embrace the virtue of chastity.

Lastly, “Refiner’s Fire” talks about modesty as an important part of practicing chastity. It is speaking and dressing in a way that respect God’s design for our bodies.

“When a woman veils her body in modest clothing, she is not hiding herself from men. On the contrary, she is revealing her dignity to them.”― Jason Evert.

Mother Mary, is our best example of being pure and modest.
In conclusion, “Refiner’s Fire” touches every single man and woman in Christ present in the assembly. It awakens ones virtues and enlighten up each one on how to respect sex, use love, practice chastity, and apply modesty in one’s life. The talk ends with a prayer, and basically physical needs were attended. Snack is served! 🙂 And of course, the group picture has never been forgotten.

 

Related Article: February 6, 2015: SFC Oman First Chapter Assembly