What is Love?

Okay, so my family did not display characteristics such as the Ingalls, the Waltons, the Cleavers or the Huxtables.  We could not remain whole like the Camdens of 7th Heaven.  We failed to solve problems in the same manner as the Tanner family of Full House.  I would place us more equivalent to the Conner family of Roseanne or the Bundys of Married with Children.

On Sundays, we went to church, listened to the readings, socialized with donuts after service, purchased fried chicken for lunch and traveled home for everyone to take a nap after filling the bellies.  Our bodies completed the same motions every week.  We cared for other people and helped out when possible, but our hearts knew not how to love.  Our souls remained empty of Truth. 

The families mentioned above and my own did hold one thing in common - acting.  If you delve into the personal lives of the individual people of each TV family mentioned, you would see tragedy, sadness, addiction and turmoil.  Their screen life was fake, full of 'masks'.  Just so, my family and I placed on those masks and acted as though we led the perfect life.  We each struggled individually, yet even put masks on within our own four walls.  To be approved, one must remain strong, flexible to other's ideas, obey humans and be flawless, right?

WRONG!

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." (Galatians 5:13)  

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit."  (1 John 4:12-13)

God loves without condition.  We knew nothing of this love because the relationship with God was absent.  No wonder we did not know how to care and love for each other.  Though, each of us lived under the same roof, we were not a team.  Our individual struggles led us to worldly answers.  Our free will ran to please our flesh, instead of serving God.  The Spirit laid dormant inside and our minds could not find the activation key. 

So, I should not be surprised that our family fell apart.  The lives of each ran in different directions, not working as the team God intended.  Well, God came in and began to rebuild this pile of ashes we called a family.  Each of us removes our masks a little more each time we talk.  We are learning to love because God intervened and took over our hearts.  He shows us how to love and fills that emptiness in our souls.  Only through Him can healing come.  I found the activation key - FAITH and SURRENDER.  I am learning how to love and how to be loved for who I am.  Through these writings, God speaks to me and shows me the steps needed to serve others humbly in love.  I am a working progress.

"I am not where I need to be, but thank God I am not where I used to be; I am okay and I am on my WAY!"  - Joyce Meyer

God thank you for today.  Thank You for the many chances to learn.  Guide me to love.  Show me how to be loved.  Mold and shape me to be like You.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig