As we head into the Lenten season, I have been giving more and more thought to my faith and the direction of my faith journey. We are called to love one another as ourselves. Giving this more careful consideration gives me pause. I think we tend to forget we are children of God, and the Father calls us to have genuine love for each other. Hard as it is sometimes, that love should not be of the 'if it'll shut you up,' nature, but rather heartfelt joy toward our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is unfortunately the ultimate goal and not the usual reality.
Living a committed Christian life is not about "Living with" people or 'putting up with" them. It's about praying for them and helping them along the journey. Not dismissing them or mocking them. All this is unfortunately easier said than done in this day and age, but it is something to strive for and contemplate in this Lenten season of sacrifice and focus on others.
We need a more forgiving nature, so to be forgiven "as we forgive those who trespass against us. Guide, don't chide.
We all need to pray for the grace and strength to pray for each other and how to make all of our lives better.
