Confidence, a bridge between Christians and Muslims: the inspiring message of Gérard Testard

In his second chronicle, Gérard Testard, member of the association “Ensemble with Mary” highlights the importance of confidence, both in the relationship with God and in human relations, in particular between Christians and Muslims. His speech, rich in spiritual references and personal experiences, recalled how much confidence is an essential pillar to build bridges between communities.

Gérard Testard chronicle report

At the beginning of everything, confidence

Gérard Testard began by evoking a large meeting organized two or three years ago in Paris, bringing together 1,000 people in a church around the theme: “At the beginning of everything, confidence”. This meeting between Christians and Muslims was, according to him, a wonderful moment, marked by a spirit of unity and sharing. He stressed that confidence is the foundation of any relationship, whether human or spiritual.

Confidence in sacred texts

To illustrate his point, Gérard Testard drew from the sacred texts of the two religions. He cited a verse from the Koran: “Place your trust in God. God loves those who trust Him. Who, outside of him, could help you? Believers place their confidence in God. (Koran, Sura 3, Verses 159-160). This verse, he explained, recalls that confidence in God is a brand of faith and a source of strength.

On the side of the Bible, he shared a passage from the prophet Jeremiah: “Blessed be the man who puts his confidence in the eternal and whose eternal is hope. It is like a tree planted near the waters, whose roots extend near the stream. It has nothing to fear when the heat comes, its foliage remains green. (Jeremiah, chapter 17, verses 7-8). This image of the tree, he added, shows that confidence in God brings stability and resilience, even in trials.

Why trust God?

Gérard Testard then approached a central question: why trust God? He explained that, often, when everything is fine, we tend to believe that everything comes from us. Conversely, in difficult times, we can be tempted to turn our backs on God and seek solutions elsewhere. However, he insisted, God deserves our confidence because he always holds his promises.

To support his words, he mentioned his last work, entitled “God does not resume his gifts”, inspired by a biblical verse: “God does not take up what he has given and does not forget what he called. He recalled that God is faithful, that his plans are just and perfect, and that he always works for the good of those he loves.

Know God to trust him

Gérard Testard stressed that confidence in God stems from the knowledge of his Word. “If we fail to put our confidence in God, it is because we do not know him,” he said. He encouraged believers to read and meditate on sacred texts to deepen their relationship with God.

He also expressed his admiration for the Muslim practice of Ramadan, during which many believers read the whole Koran. “It is magnificent to see this devotion and this research of God during this particular time,” he said, stressing that this in-depth reading makes it possible to better know God and, therefore, to trust him.

Confidence, an original perverted state

Gérard Testard recalled that man was created in a state of trust, but that this confidence was perverted by the demon. He explained that the word “confidence” comes from the Latin “faithse”, which means faith. Thus, confidence is inseparable from faith, whether in God or the other.

He insisted on the power of words: “I have confidence, I have faith in you”. These words, he said, can be deeply constructive, restore hope and help a person to get up.

Education confidence

In the field of education, Gérard Testard cited a maxim: “Without affection, no confidence, but without confidence, no education. He deplored that, in our society, many benchmarks are shaken, leading to difficulties for young and old: drugs, pornography, family violence, unemployment, wars, etc.

Faced with these challenges, he said that confidence is an essential key to getting out of it. “When confidence circulates, people find solutions to their problems themselves,” he said, insisting on the importance of restoring confidence in young people in particular.

Restore confidence, a deep and fruitful act

Gérard Testard concluded by stressing that confidence is not only an intention or a feeling, but that it translates into concrete acts. “Giving someone confidence is beautiful. And give it back to him after a difficulty is very deep and fruitful, “he said. He recalled that confident kindness is a source of growth and conversion, whether for a loved one, a friend or a brother.

The power of confidence

In conclusion, Gérard Testard insisted on the transformer power of confidence. “A confident interview with a discouraged person can change everything for them,” he said. His message, both spiritual and practical, invites everyone to cultivate confidence in God and in the other, as a path to unity and peace.

Have a good week everyone!