Bear with Love

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/102414.cfm) reminds me that we should bear with one another with love.

People are different from each other. We all have different personalities, beliefs, upbringing and opinions. That is why, we behave differently, we act differently from each other. This is the reason why there are conflicts, especially in groups. OF course,  a church group is not exempted. Though we are serving one God, there are differences in opinions, in behaviour, and even in mannerisms that may affect us. That is why today’s first reading reminds us.

I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the spirit
through the bond of peace;
one Body and one Spirit

Love should be greater than differences.

There will be conflicts and differences, so we should learn how to bear with each other. However, God takes it a step further and reminds us that this, as with everything, should be done in love. You can bear with other people grudgingly and full of hate. You can be civil with others, but hate them. Yes, you may be able to function still, but God wants more from us. God wants us to bear with love – love for Him through others.

If we focus on ourselves, our desires, wants and stay in the comfort zones, we will not be able to do this. We can only bear with others with love if we love them more than we love ourselves, if we see things from their perspective, when we try to understand them rather than judge them.

May we heed God’s call to bear with others with love.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another weekend. Thank you for the gift of family and community. Lord, thank you for making each and everyone of us unique and different, for we know that in those differences, we can be able to serve you well. As different parts of the body have different functions, so too our differences will enable us to contribute different things for your kingdom. Lord, I pray that I may learn to love others more. May  I see you in them, and may I love you in them especially with the differences we have. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-

Ps,

See related reflection:

http://mysimplereflection.blogspot.com/2012/09/bear-with-one-another.html