I wince whenever I encounter couples whose behavior toward each other in public is that of the Bickersons. One of them says something, and the other corrects whatever was said. One of them starts to tell a joke, and the other steals the punch line. Some couples feel that wherever two or more or gathered, it’s time to get out the boxing gloves and duke it out in front of an audience. Insults and put-downs start flying, and those around them have to duck or be caught in the crossfire.
If Jesus came to tell us anything, it is that ours is not an angry Father. God is not waiting with stick in hand raised to punish us; God is the Eager One who anticipates, watching and waiting every day for us to come home. And when we do, what will God do? Throw a party to celebrate our return . . . to celebrate expansive love with us.
Before you can accept that Jesus wants to affirm you, you need to accept the foundational basis of a God who loves you. Not many of us can do that.
Bend your heart to listen to the words found in Song of Songs in the New Jerusalem Bible
How beautiful you are, my beloved, how beautiful you are. (4:1)
Are you in a relationship that is affirming or degrading?
Do you fear God, thinking that you will be punished if you enter into a closer relationship?
~ Laurie Beth
LBJ...love this article...let's catch up sometime.