Thank you for printing the ­letter from Piers Maddox last week, which I think highlights how the Christian message has been reinterpreted by the West.

Being a Christian isn’t just believing in Jesus Christ – even the Devil and demons do that, just read the Gospels. Jesus had strong words for the religious people of his day who were hypocrites, two-faced and ­legalists. Ouch!

He said he had come to ­establish a kingdom, not ­another religion. He said very definitely that this kingdom was about loving one another: your neighbour yes, but even your enemy. Forgiveness is at its centre and he showed us how that works with the ­crucifixion and resurrection.

He taught about putting ­people who are on the edge of society first and caring for them: “What you do for the least of these, you do for me.”

Jesus is at the centre of this kingdom and it is here we begin by having a friendship with him.

He knows the mess we’ve made of our relationships, how we’ve hurt people and how we’ve been hurt by others and at times by our own actions. God has done something about it all.

What we have to do is to be honest and face up to the fact that we’ve messed up – and we’ve all messed up one way or another. We need to say sorry to God for everything, and then turn our back on all the wrong stuff and decide to start living Jesus’s way instead.

It’s called a new start, but he doesn’t leave us to get on with it. Because it’s a relationship, he helps us every day.

It’s good to find a lively ­spiritual family, a church where you can grow as a Christian.

Becoming a Christian is the best thing I’ve ever done and, with all humility, Jesus has transformed my life.

Should you have further questions or comments, please contact me.

Graham Fish

Kingsbridge Family Church

01548 852770