A month-long “Ghost Month” in Taiwan just came to an end yesterday, during which time the Taiwanese are advised against swimming, traveling, moving and the like. Starting today in much of the Middle East or Muslim countries is the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, when observant Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. During the time of Ramadan, people are forbidden from eating, drinking (even swallowing saliva), smoking or sexual relations. Both “Ghost Month” or “Holy Month” are to set aside a period of time for people to practice holiness or stay away from evil.

In the Bible, God commanded his people to be holy, for God Himself is holy. Yet, how should a person practice holiness? Besides avoiding some don’ts, the Lord told his people to treat foreigners well. Later on, Jesus even emphasized that his followers should love their neighbors as themselves and love enemies as well.

To be holy is not to assign a particular day or month when people are not allowed to do certain things, but to live every bit of our daily life taking good care of what God has given us and loving each other sincerely.