Barriers to Love

When I started writing 13 Decisions that will Change Your Life, I hadn't considered how many barriers there were to unconditional love.  As it turns out, there are many.  More seem to rear their heads every day.

Love is curtailed by distrust or mistrust.  We've all experienced betrayal and the bitterness it leaves.  Love is unable to live in an atmosphere of unforgiveness.  Roots of  malice burrow into our lives and take years of diligence to get rid of.

Love closely related to joy and a zest for living.  Neither is possible if a scimitar is poised over our head.  Purging grudges, putting away hard feelings, and defusing feuds unbars the road to love.  Unfortunately cleared pathways don't always stay clear, so this demolition must be a constant chore.   Don't put off your spring cleaning so love can blossom. 

Surrender Opens Doors

Two of my favorite modern day heroines are Corrie Ten Boom and Elisabeth Eliott.  Corrie chose a prison camp rather than turn away the Jews being persecuted in her town.  She provided a haven for many before being arrested herself.  She saw her sister, Betsy, waste away and die but Corrie was faithful to her task. She surrendered but never gave up.

Elisabeth became a widow at a very young age.  Her husband, Jim, was slaughtered as he attempted to preach Christ in Ecuador.  Instead of giving up, she surrendered her life to reaching the people in that tribe. The journey was long but fruitful and proved to be a lifelong adventure.

What adventure are you missing by resisting surrender?

Tale of Two Guilt Trips

David was a king.  He has everything he could ever want.  But that wasn't enough.  He wanted a woman who belonged to another.  He devised a crafty plan, murdered the husband, and took Bathsheba.  He paid a hefty price for his sin, but guilt led to repentance and restoration.

Judas was a disciple.  He was treasurer of the "in" group.  But that wasn't enough.  He needed recognition.  He devised a crafty plan, betrayed Jesus, and paid a hefty price for his sin -  suicide.

Two men, two sins, different endings.

Covenant or Contract?

When Tim, my husband, performs a marriage ceremony he often talks about the difference in a contract or a covenant.  Contracts assume skepticism, contain no trust, and can be broken.  On the other hand, a covenant is assuming permanence, trust and faithfulness, plus an idea of eternity.  Covenant making with another individual is a serious business and not to be taken lightly.  No bed of roses or promises of smooth sailing but an oath of faithfulness, inter-dependence, love, and forgiveness.  Think about your relationships - are they contracts or covenants?