Love Covers

1 Peter 4:8-And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

This was yesterday's daily scripture. I started to think about divorce rates and came to the conclusion that we have been conditioned to quit. We don’t forgive. We don't give second chances. We quit. We get mad. We feel wronged, and we quit. Our love is circumstantial instead of unconditional. Our love is conditional. Our marriages are not based on devotion, but mutual convenience. We don't let love cover. We don’t love. We “like” strongly. Maybe we need to revisit the book of Peter to get a better understanding of the power of love. Real love covers.

Grace

Grace is a often used as a theological term that refers to a divine influence that helps to inspire virtuous impulses and impart strength to endure trials and temptation. Grace is love and mercy given to us by God. It is not earned. It is given. Grace is unmerited. Grace is unconditional. Grace is inexhaustible. Grace is a gift that can be shared because it was extended to us freely. God’s grace is a gift we open daily.

Keep

Remember what made you start in the first place. Brush yourself off and keep moving forward.  There will be setbacks. There will be detours. There will be moments of doubt, but there will be triumphs. There will be victories. There will be joy. Persevere. Endure. You're closer than you know.  Keep on keepin' on.

Happy

When was the last time you were happy? I'm not talking contentment. I'm talking unadulterated joy. When was the last time you smiled so hard your cheeks hurt? When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? Be happy. Choose joy. Savor all those fleeting moments. Play that game with your kids. Have that tea party. Blow those bubbles. Run. Jump. Play. Fly that kite. Jump in the deep end. Enjoy Life. Do what makes you happy!!!

Accountable

Who holds you accountable? Is it your husband? Is it your wife? Is it your sister or brother? Is it your mother or father? Is it your friend? Is it God? There should be someone in your life who you respect to keep you in check. There should be someone who can encourage you when you are down, chastise you when you're wrong, and celebrate you when you are victorious. If you don't have someone, I challenge you to find an accountability partner. You need someone to show you the man or woman in the mirror. You need someone to give you a gut check with love. Be present. Be accounted for and be accountable. 

Charity

1 Corinthians 13: 13

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

First Corinthians 13 is a very popular book of the Bible that references love. Verses 4-8 specifically references the characteristics of love. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth. Does our love have the same characteristics? Do we have the same expectation of love? Is it long-suffering or short-tempered? Is our love jealous? Does our love have an ego? If love never fails, why are divorce rates climbing? Maybe what we call love is not love at all. Maybe what define as love doesn't meet God's standards.  Maybe it's time to re-evaluate our charity.  

Xenagogue

There was an exhibit called "Dialogue in the Dark." Blind guides lead visitors in small groups through different settings in absolute darkness. Some of the settings included a busy street, a restaurant, a grocery store and a park. The purpose was to raise awareness about what it means to navigate daily life being vision impaired. We had to rely on our guides and our other senses to explore each exhibit. Most of us navigate life in the darkness without a xenagogue. We don't have a plan, a road map, or a guide. We need help. We need guidance. We need a mentor. We need someone to help us navigate. We need someone to show us the way when we find ourselves lost, stuck, or just searching for answers. We need someone who has traveled the road we desire to travel. We need a xenagogue.