The Queen's faith

Salvationist magazine looks back on how Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II testified to being a follower of Jesus.

Beyond Queen Elizabeth II’s title as ‘Defender of the Faith’ and her role as head of the Church of England, the Queen was well known for her strong personal faith, which she spoke about with ease and genuine affection.

The following quotes are from various speeches and Christmas Day messages, and capture something of her faith.

On kindness

We continue to be inspired by the kindness of strangers and draw comfort that – even on the darkest nights – there is hope in the new dawn.

Jesus touched on this with the parable of the good Samaritan. The man who is robbed and left at the roadside is saved by someone who did not share his religion or culture.

This wonderful story of kindness is still as relevant today. Good Samaritans have emerged across society showing care and respect for all, regardless of gender, race or background, reminding us that each one of us is special and equal in the eyes of God.

On trust

I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning.

I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God!

On salvation

Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed.

God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general (important though they are) – but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.

On love

For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God’s love, as we strive daily to become better people.

The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone. There is no one beyond its reach.

On serving

I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life...

He makes it clear that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving than receiving; more in serving than in being served.

On comfort

To many of us, our beliefs are of fundamental importance.

For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.