This is our B moment. Our moment to be still…to be fed by the Word of God…to be grateful.
Scripture reference: 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 (ESV)
Today, I am acknowledging myself for learning to love genuinely and gracefully by replacing the words “I love you but…” with “I love you and…” when I talk to my family and friends.
Anyone who knows me is well aware that I dream big. Because of my passion, I went through a period of my life when I felt that those closest to me should unequivocally support my big dreams. I even would get upset if my friends and family didn’t believe in me the way I thought they should believe in me.
In my heart, I would always feel the words “I love you but…I need you to do this,” or “I love you but…I need you to share my vision word for word.” It made love feel so conditional, and my relationships became weighted down with expectation and duty.
So, what I have learned from this experience is that not only can I release those closest to me from these constraints, but I can also release myself. This allows me to gracefully love those around me.
I don’t have to be bound by what someone thinks or doesn’t think of me. I can love and respect people for what they believe. This is embodied in the phrase “I love you and…” because the conditions are completely taken out of the relationship. Now, the love I share feels incredibly genuine.
The next time we’re inclined to love with a great deal of constraints, let us do away with that and cling to these words: “Love is patient and kind…it does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 (ESV)
Please share this reflection as others desire to be inspired.
So today, let’s do away with the words “I love you but…” and embrace “I love you and…” to love gracefully and genuinely.
Leave a Reply