How incredible is it, that as humans we have the innate ability to care so deeply about another. We have this intrinsic desire to pair off, to lean into others, and to create deep connections. Growing up, I hated people. As I've come into my own, I've had the opportunity to intentionally pursue people which completely shifted my world. I have been incredibly blown away by the kindness and love I so undeservingly receive, that people are now my passion. With intentionality and purpose, I have been loved and pursued and I can say that I'm a better person because of it.
Laughter truly is the best medicine. I've never felt more like myself than I do today. Yes, some days are hard... that's life. However, most days I'm left standing in awe of the many blessings God has graciously poured into my heart. I will never regret my faithfulness, love, and commitment to others because Jesus shows me his faithfulness, love, and commitment to me daily.
Loving and being loved is such a beautiful thing that we regularly shy away from. Often, we innately guard our hearts by suppressing emotions. Yes, "Gaurd your heart, for everything you do flows from it" Proverbs 4:23. But I believe you can love yourself, and love others well, while simultaneously protecting both hearts involved. "Let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3. Love and faithfulness should be so worn as simply as a necklace. They should be carved into your heart. Jesus extends to much love and forgiveness that we should do the same. Sometimes you'll love someone more than they love you, sometimes you'll be more committed than the other. Sometimes the love you give won't be reciprocated. Sometimes the respect you give won't be returned. Continue to give as Jesus would. I don't believe one can waste time when it's spent loving someone with intention. Knowing that Jesus loves us through our sin and doubts is marvelous.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8. How incredible is it that we get to live on such a beautiful planet, feeling such intense emotions. Cling to the people who inspire you to live like Jesus. Surround yourself with the people who push you in your relationship with Christ. Who respect your beliefs, who respect you, who hold you accountable, who offer healthy rebuke. Cherish the people who love like Jesus. Who pray for your heart, your healing, and your future. Cherish the people who help keep your path straight.
It's often easier to extend grace unto others, but it's equally as important to remember to extend that same grace onto yourself. His grace is enough, he wants our hearts, he wants our love. He is not ashamed of your brokenness, or pain. Don't be ashamed of your past, of your doubts, of your fears. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1. Jesus Christ has set us free from anything that can enslave us. We're free from the weight of fear, guilt, regret, doubt, pain, heartbreak, etc. We are not a slave to our pasts. We are can move forward in light and out of darkness without the weight of our sins. His grace is abundant and unfailing. We are imperfect, remember to show yourself some grace in the difficult process of life.
I'm convicted by the Truth. "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2. Hold your friends accountable. Love your friends when they fall to sin, just as they love you. Uplift them in their darkness, show them light, truth, and love. Be someone who cares! Be someone who loves others well. Be someone who shows Jesus through your act of love. Caring for others is a good thing. Loving and caring for others can be draining, it can be difficult, but it is so rewarding and so worth it. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10. It is nearly impossible to have a growing relationship with God while in isolation. Intentionally live in community, in love. Don't just be in the community, but be of the community. Love with intention and purpose. Be there for someone in a difficult time, let someone cry on your shoulder, be vulnerable to inspire someone to unveil their heart.
"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" Galatians 5:6. Love others as much as you can, as often as you can and as hard as you can. Love in abundance, in bounty, in copiousness. Loving is joyous, it's engaging, it's exciting and it shows Jesus! "We love because he first loved us" 1 John 4:19. Loving is good, love is complicated and vulnerable. Loving people is scary, it exposes authenticity, and makes pain accessible. I've never regret the times I've been hurt. While the process was painful, I was hurt because I was passionate enough to put myself in a position of vulnerability. Vulnerability is difficult and also discouraged in our society but I believe it should be embraced. If you can't be organically vulnerable, then you won't feel the full potential of the benefits.
I want to have an impact on people. My heart desires to love and be loved. I am so amazed by the love that I continue to feel, even amidst pain and heartbreak. The availability the heart has to offer is wonderous. Just when I think I'm filled with love, God allows me to experience it more, and deeper. How incredible to be limitless in the love we present to others. And how fascinating is it that we have such expansive hearts to allow more love admittance?!
