Advent Week Two in Review
Love is patient. (endless)What kind of love IS
this???
It is otherworldly. Borne of sacrifice, and mercy, and grace. The kind of love we should strive for, to be sure, but also the kind we are incapable of without help. After failing spectacularly time after time, I learned to read this passage as the way GOD loves THROUGH us.
The same God who decided so long ago that it was time to send redemption in flesh and blood. To dwell among his beloved creation. To mingle, laugh, enjoy, cry, hug, heal, and teach us. He chose to suffer, die, and descend into the pit of hell for us. His victory over death, confirmed with a miraculous resurrection and appearances to doubters, proved his divinity. After ascending to heaven, he sent the third part of the Trinity to help us. He saved us from ourselves and modeled unconditional love.
This week, although I failed miserably, I witnessed love on display. One of my besties lost her mother, but God loved THROUGH her as she held her mama's hand until her dying breath. My friend bore the pain of watching her mom pass into glory because she LOVED her more than her own comfort or fear. Sometimes love means saying goodbye.
Another friend is remembering the stress of caring for her ailing husband this time last year. She has struggled to get through this year without him and memories and grief threaten to swallow her whole. But she LOVES the son he left behind fiercely and will bear whatever she must to ensure he can grow through the pain of losing his father. Sometimes love means leading by example.
My mom had a fall this week and my nephews and brother went to the house to help her up off the floor and into bed. They sacrificed their bedtime to drive to her house late at night, help her up, check her for injuries, wait for me to get information from hospice, and tuck her into bed before leaving. And the MINUTE they pulled out of the driveway, she got right out of bed. Sigh. Sometimes love means sacrificing and enduring.
Still others are in the middle of divorces, struggling to love teenagers, or surviving other emotionally difficult, draining and broken relationships. In all things, loving responsibly is two-sided. We must learn to love well AND forgive well. Just like Jesus did/does for us. Sometimes love means living with heartbreak.
Wherever you found yourself this week, whether succeeding or failing to love others, remember this
"Love covers a multitude of
sins." I Peter 4:8
