"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. "
During this Lenten Holy Week, I am prompted to look upon the virtues God entrusted to me: Faith, Hope, and Love as I prepare for the coming of Christ. Easter Sunday is less than a week away, and I ask you, "How have you prepared yourself spiritually for such an awesome event?" Or, have you been inundated with life's worries and events and forgotten about the essentials of the season?
If the latter is true, take a moment right now and quiet your mind remembering what Christ has done for you. All that pain and suffering to ensure your passage to the Holy kingdom. Say a prayer of gratitude and ask him to speak to your heart this week as you go about your daily duties.
Love is the basis of all good things from God's blessings. It accounts for our happiness and trust in one and other. Without love there is no hope or faith. When I am feeling frustrated, angry, or just out of sorts, I pray for God's love. I know how much he deeply loves me, despite my wrong doings. Some days I wonder how he tolerates me. His patience is enough to keep me inspired to hold an enormous amount of love in my own heart for all of his creations. But, in order to truly be blessed with love, you must love yourself completely. If there is any facet that is out of whack in this self-proclaiming love, then it is important to pray for acceptance to move pass it immediately. Loving yourself enables you to love others and all things.
Faith is the center of our Christian spirituality. Without faith, there is no religion. Faith keeps us going strong throughout the blind days and keeps us fulfilled when in times of need. Faith allows us to "Let go and Let God" and truly be at peace. Is there something you are holding onto this week that should be in the hands of God? Take a moment right now, bow your head, and ask God for acceptance. Acceptance is the first order in securing unconditional faith. It is a difficult thing to do as we must admit failure in our own hindsight, but remember there is no failure in God's eyes. To have complete faith means you may not understand why these afflictions are happening, but realize there is a divine plan.
Hope is what we must never lose site of no matter how pressing life's events may be. Once we relinquish hope, we relinquish our spirit into the hands of darkness. Hope may not mean getting what you think you want. Rather, through hope and placing things in God's hands, allows him to do his work and give back what he knows you need. Never lose sight of hope no matter how bleak things get. Just center on love, and through love will come faith and hope mending these roadblocks in life.
1. During this Holy Week practice numerous counts of love. Hug those you love more often. Give your spouse compliments all this week. Stop at work and help a coworker. Don't expect anything in return. While out, look for those in need. Step up to the plate and reach out your hand. Don't go out with blinders on this Easter season.
2. Practice compassion this week. Before you speak THINK. Let your contemplative awareness guide you into a better response. Aim to guide and help others not admonish them.
3. Work on your listening skills this week. Be quiet and reflective as friends and family speak to you. Listen for hidden meanings and don't jump to conclusions. Remember, you can learn something from everyone you meet.
4. Make a pact with God to read your Bible this week. Every night before you open the pages, ask him to touch your heart and find deeper meaning into all you are reading.
5. Go to church this week!
Valerie Bourbour is a writer and avid researcher of the Bible. She seeks to enlighten daily spirituality in others by bringing awareness of God's plan.