There are some things that we shouldn't put Limits On...

Putting Limitations on things that were created to be Limitless…

All day I have been pondering love, forgiveness and redemption…

3 words that are the very foundation of what I believe.

3 words the represent Jesus Christ to me. Both in the life he lived and in the life he calls us to live.

As a person who calls myself a “Christian,” I should strive to understand and live out love, forgiveness & redemption in my life. I am aware that there is a continuing struggle of incorporating those words into my life. I am still learning how to recieve them for myself...but I never realized that I may not be the best at giving them to those around me.
And for someone who considers themselves a “lover of all people”… I have been smacked in the face with the conviction that I too put limits on these 3 beautiful words and how I care about others.

I recently met someone that I find to be really genuine, interesting, funny and kind. The catch is that this person has a bit of a spotty past. This person has lived through some things that aren’t considered the normal or desirable…which makes this person different.
The road they have walked and continue to walk is covered in forgiveness and redemption.

And yes, this persons story is beautiful and full of strength and courage... but I find that it feels much safer to keep them at an arms distance and admire their journey safely, than to put myself in a postion to invite them close to me where something real could flourish. Stupid fear.

But we are not called to be scared… or to judge… we are called to love. And in loving, I think that we are asked to love with all of ourselves. Not the shallow love that gives you a false sense of security by keeping people at an arms distance. We are supposed to invite someone into our lives and show them love, forgiveness & the beauty of redemption by allowing them to get close to us. Right?