LOVE NEVER FAILS

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

My mother used to work with renown social worker, Bryan Post. She learned and shared with me many of Post's teachings, theories, and interventions. I recall Bryan discussing his experiences working with adopted children and their families. He spoke of the post-traumatic triggers that aroused fear and/or shame and how they could be overcome with unconditional love. 

We all are adopted into the kingdom of God. Because of Jesus' atoning death and resurrection, we are grafted into the family of God. We are joint heirs with Christ to the throne of righteousness. Sometimes, in spite of our new heritage and legacy, we experience things that trigger fear and shame from our lives before Christ (and sometimes after).

As spiritual orphans, we all picked up some "baggage." Our early encounters with hurt, suffering, pain, neglect, or disappointment left us void, perhaps fearful or shameful of what we experienced and our inability to get our needs met or our inability to prevent harm again. Unresolved pain of yesteryears can complicate and lengthen post-separation or post-divorce healing. Likely childhood or young adulthood "baggage" bled into our marriages. Although, our relationships have failed, love still wins. Love is still a mighty conqueror. There is no better time than now to ascertain our freedom in Christ Jesus.

Fear and shame are very powerful feelings. They can dictate a person's life for years, perpetually forever. It's only when we are able to brave the vulnerability of exposing our wounds that we can move past fear and be made whole in the love of God. 

Fear and shame causes us to erect walls in our hearts and minds. Surely, walls keep out first time and serial offenders and perpetrators but, they also block love and the loved ones and friends that are extensions of God's love. As we prepare to observe Easter/ Resurrection Sunday, let's proverbially nail some of (ALL would great, but a little progress everyday adds up to BIG results) our hurts and hang ups on the cross with Christ. His blood covers all of our sins. His blood covers all of our hurts and headaches. 

Pick your emotional or mental assailant and imagine yourself nailing it on the cross. Leave it there. Let it die there. You don't need ongoing fear and shame; none of us do. None of us need antagonizing worry, anxiety, or doubt; these are silent killers. 

One physician remarked, "Americans have exchanged infectious diseases for chronic diseases." Once upon a time, our nation was plagued by microbial bacterial and viral diseases. Now, the citizenry is plagued by psychosomatic issues that manifest in compromised physical health. 

Living in a constant state of fear and/ or shame has harsh effects on the body. Let's lay our sins and suffering at the foot of the cross. Let it all die with our crucified Lord. As he arose from the grave with all power in Heaven and Earth, we too can be resurrected to life anew. The Lord died and rose again that we might have life abundantly. He has conquered death in every form and fashion. The Lord's unconditional love covers ALL of our sin, suffering, secrets, shame, and fear. Go forth and LIVE!!! Live out loud!!!! L-I-V-E!! You were created to LIVE abundantly!!!! You were designed for abundant life!!!! Live free, live whole. Just live! Just do it!

Love and blessings

Hugs