My parents are devout Catholics and have always been my role models when it came to spiritual discipline and unwavering faith. However, 2 years ago when I moved to Melbourne on my own, I began to question the Catholic institution as I had time to explore my relationship with God without my parent’s influence.

During this period, I realised that my relationship with God was primarily forged by my obligation to be a ‘good Catholic’ motivated by good works rather than my desire to get to know my Heavenly Father. To me, God was unreachable because I was so sinful and I had to work hard everyday to justify my relationship with Him. It eventually became a tiresome exercise for me and slowly, and I began to neglect my relationship with him.

With a full heart, after seeing my friend’s Instagram story, I asked him if I could come to church with him (shout out to Jon Nguyen) and here I am today. It is here, God revealed to me that, through His Son Jesus Christ we are forgiven and saved by grace and faith alone, and not by works.

Contrary to what the Catholic church has instilled in me, Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death for the atonement of our sins meant that my sins have been dealt with once and for all and no other good work could further my place in His kingdom. I find comfort knowing that we don't do good works in order to earn our freedom: we do good works because we have been set free to do them (Eph 2: 8-10). I was dead in my trespasses but God, being rich in mercy and love, saved me by sheer grace through Jesus Christ.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."

Ephesians 2:8-9