Keeping Our Center ~ Day 44

Over the years I’ve realized that I basically preach three themes over and over again: God is Love, play nice, and you are enough. Sometimes I wonder why folks keep listening to my messages when I feel like I just find creative ways to say these things again and again. So, either you haven’t caught on yet, and I’ve just ruined it. Or, we all apparently need to be reminded on a regular basis because the world and our struggles get in the way. Regardless, I thought I’d revisit these for the next few days. 

“God is love” (1 John 4:8) seems to have often been forgotten and replaced with “God is love, but…” or “God is love, unless…” This God of “buts” and “unlesses” appears to have been created in humanity’s image; an image in which love is conditional based upon another’s behavior, beliefs, skin color, political view, or whatever. Consequently, God is Love morphed into God is King, or God is Judge, or God is Law. Most people can’t even conceive of a God who is able to love unconditionally, wastefully and boundlessly, because is it so hard for us to love that way ourselves! 

The author of 1 John also says, “… everyone who loves is begotten of God and has knowledge of God.” This is more than love between friends, this is different than erotic love, this is much deeper than “I love chocolate.” This love sees past people’s mistakes, looks deeper than differences, and sees the hurtful things they have said or done as not part of their authentic selves. But, oh my, this love is hard to find when faced with ignorance, violence, prejudice, meanness and selfishness.

Frankly, because this is so hard has to be the reason we only have a handful of really shining bright spiritual leaders like Jesus in our history. Here’s one thing I try often to help me think and behave more lovingly (because occasionally I’ve wanted to string someone up by their toenails)… I try to be generous with my assumptions. For example, if I’m getting annoyed at someone driving too slow, I try to reflect on it in a gentler way. Like, maybe they were in a car accident and now they are somewhat afraid to drive. Or, maybe they are older and I want someone to be kind to me when I get old.  Or maybe they don’t really know what the speed limit is, or aren’t sure where they are going. Does this make sense? Well, it seems to help me, anyway.

God is love. When we love purely, without conditions or limitations, is when we truly show that we know God.

Love & Light,

Kaye