In recent years I've had a few close relationships suddenly separated by a chasm. Regardless of whose is to blame; it's most painful and disappointing, among other things. And it happened again recently, several times, and it's left me wondering why bother being around people at all if there is no true foundation for even the most desolated relationship to be rebuilt on?
In this vulnerable place I find a most tangible comfort. To find peace and joy in a valley of hatred and spoil is humbling. It comes from reflecting on my reason and purpose for existing, and the story of Jesus. Lately, it usually makes me weep before the words can leave my lips. In this place though, I suddenly remember how many times I must have treated my creator with similar contempt.
During this I find I love him even more. Like holding your first child and knowing how you couldn't possibly love someone any more, and then holding a second child realizing it still happened.
Thank you for your mercy and grace Father! Thank you for your sacrifices Jesus!
This leads me to question how he maintains faith in us. Most cite it's a mystery, and I don't necessarily disagree, but I have found you can't truly love our creator if you don't learn how to loves us first.
As I consider this I find that surely you can't love someone if you don't have faith in their character. Trust is the house of love and without it there is no where for love to dwell and abide - much less grow. So our creator must have faith and trust in us. But why?
Here I rediscover that we are an image of our creator, being a by product of his universe. The Bible is stunningly accurate when it says that we're not only an image; but the image of our creator. You can find that reference in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, chapter 27 in the first sentence.
Knowing this also tells me that whatever brings about our destruction, as people in relationships especially; has no place in our life, loves home - for the sake of poetry. So I should cast those things out, the products of fear, that would keep these relationships torn down and again take confidence in love, true love, love like our creators love, and tirelessly work until they're rebuilt.
I can't save the world, that was Jesus' role. But I can raise better people for the world to come, that's my job.
It's hard to understand your meaning can you sum it up in one small paragraph? Also I disagree that you must have faith in the character of another in order for you to truly love them.
ReplyDeleteIn summary I'm saying that every person has an obligation to indefinitely love others until the point of death.
ReplyDeleteBut to justify that act surely there must be a reason. I believe that reason is because we're a bi-product of our creator.
Which means that no matter how much filthy unrighteousness we cover ourselves in there will always be that spark of our creator in a person that is worth loving. And rather than placing our faith in the person, we place our faith in who our creator made them to be; his representative. And it's by the knowledge that we have power, and empower, a person who does a wicked thing.
I think Jesus clearly demonstrates this on the cross when he says "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." And again God when he spares Noah during the worlds destruction in Genesis 6:9.