Tough, tender & holy

I don’t seem to hear about this much anymore. I know it exists, I feel it. But it seems like it’s out of fashion these days. We all want to move on to the next spectacle already.

What will make us stronger? What will heal our wounds? What will bring us peace? 

There is only One. Sure. Way. 

It must be love.

Still, we don’t want to listen. We don’t want to feel. We run from the risk. Since when we love, it hurts. I’ve never truly loved someone that I didn’t hurt at some time. And they hurt me too. That’s part of the deal. 

Love is tough. It resists and remains like a diamond. But it’s sweet and tender too. There’s some kind of miracle to be found there.  

How tough and tender is love? Paul told us…

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

It’s the difference between going through the motions and being truly human.  

Love covers all sin. It gives good work meaning. Love breathes life into faith.

And yes, love is risk. It’s dangerous to love. It’s scary. When you love you must open your heart.

Love is vulnerable. 

Is that why we are so afraid to open our hearts to God? We’ve been hurt and wounded too many times. 

So we close our hearts. It becomes a rock hard, barren place of secrets.

How does the Lord say, trust me? How does he show us the depth of his love? How can we possibly trust again after all the pain and loss?

The Son of Man on the cross, spreads his arms wide open.

All is forgiven.

All forgotten.

The slate wiped clean.

Even your deepest shame, gone.

Just. Like. That.

And if you still don’t believe it, Come. See. The Empty Tomb.

The Risen Lord. 

If love isn’t a miracle, then nothing is. 

Be tough. Remain like a diamond.

Be tender. Let your vulnerable heart breathe in the Spirit of God.

Be holy. Let your goodness grow.

Step into the world of everyday miracles.

Step forward and live in love.

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