That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing... I meant that.

It is never easy to hear truth's about your character flaws, and today was no exception. God is patient with me and for this I am grateful. Over the past 10 years I have been in a relationship struggle with two people I love dearly. Today I realized my faults, and the consequences of them on my relationships. In a counseling session God used Pastor Matt to speak words I desperately needed to hear. I live my life to please God, and portray Christ's love to those I come in contact with. However, I have failed to reach out to the two people I struggle with the most. In the counseling session I made a comment from my heart, "If these people I love so dearly would give 1%, I will give everything within me to mend the relationship." His words, "This is exactly the definition of the gospel, giving all love and acceptance even when others refute, condemn, and show no love. Continue showing Christ's love, make it an exuberant focus to show Christ's love and acceptance. This was Christ's way!!! My very wise pastor stated Ephesian 4:2-6, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." The tears began to fall, and I realized my sin! Due to my hurt, rejections, and pain I failed to extend Christ's love. We are called to love all God's creation, and I failed to love my beloved. Message: Never focus on "being right" so tightly that you lose the ability to love in the process. Losing the ability to love directly violates the word of God (Mathew 22:36 - 39 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself.") I have spent a month praying, reading God's word, seeking wise counsel, and soul searching. God will give the wisdom you desperately need, if you only ask. (Luke 11:9 - "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.