We live in a
society where we have forgotten the fundamentals of true love, God. We have
turned to lust, often confusing it with love and then we wonder why we live in
such a sick and twisted world. We tend to forget that lust is temporary but love
is everlasting. We were created to love and to be loved. So many people are
searching for “true love” because there is a sense of longing that has been
embedded in us, a void that can only be filled by God. In order to fill that
void, we must first enter into an honest relationship with God Himself and allow His
love to overflow in us and through us.
Today, I want
to encourage you whether you’re single or in a relationship. Show yourself
grace and show others grace as well.
Singles:
I hold you
guys near and dear to my heart. I really do! I know how you may be feeling, "Valentine’s Day sucks! It’s a stupid day.. just hurry up and happen and let’s keep it moving to
the next day and act as if nothing ever happened". Trust me, I know the feeling
and for me, when I was single; every Valentine’s Day was more like Halloween. Lol! My
single ladies and I would joke about it all the time. But just because I’m married now, and on
the other side of the fence; so to speak, does not mean that “I don’t understand”
because I do. I’m just not in that season any longer but there is something that I would love to say to you today:
Show yourself
GRACE! When loneliness and depression tries to creep up, think GRACE. When sadness and
negative thoughts come crawling your way, take a deep breath and exhale GRACE.
When your past tries to step into your life, smile and whisper GRACE because
that grace will lead you to a joyful future. Repeat with me: GRACE! This
weekend, remember that:
- You are beautiful and wanted
- You are valuable and worthy
- You will love and be loved
Please remember that!!!!
In a
Relationship: (Married or Dating)
Your
relationship does not have to depict that of a movie, much less ‘50 Shades of
Grey’. If your relationship is built upon God’s love and His Word then you’re
in good shape. Roman 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test
and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. Your
definition of love is not how the world defines it; it’s defined by God’s word.
The New Living Translation says it like this: “Don’t copy the behavior and
customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing
the way you think…” Many times we want to imitate what we see on TV and be like
that specific “power couple” that the outlets are showing us, not knowing that a
lot of them have far more issues than what the average couple does. Do
not copy that type of behavior, the example has been set in the Word of God. You
may not have a picture perfect relationship as others may portray on social media..
“Oh, look at my happy life...”, trust me they’re just showing you what they want, the “good”
stuff because the bad and the ugly is kept away from others to see. So, please do not be deceived or feel the pressure to look like someone, because most likely, they're probably attempting to look like someone else and so forth. Stop trying to keep up with the Jones' and stay in your lane. Be yourself, the best possible YOU that you can be.
I am part of
a Young Married Women/Young Single Mom’s Ministry called "LSA Lidia's: I am Brave 31" group (www.facebook.com/iambrave31) (www.twitter.com/iambrave_31) (www.instagram.com/iambrave31) (by the way, if you're looking to connect with a great group of women, check out the links above) Anyways, back to my story, last night we had our
monthly group meeting and the topic of discussion was Perfectly Imperfect. The speaker was sharing her insight on what it is to be a
Proverbs 31 woman and how often times, we are intimidated of becoming that
woman because we feel like we cannot measure up to her high and perfect
standards. Show yourself GRACE. You're doing an amazing job!
Women:
- You are a great woman, wife, mother
- You are valued, even if you still have a long list of chores to do
- You are strong, appreciated and loved
Show your
MEN some Grace!
- Even when they didn’t take out the trash; don’t trash him for it
- Show him respect and let him know that he is the man of the house
- Listen and take his words into account
Show your
RELATIONSHIP Grace!
- Don’t compare your relationship or your spouse to others
- Your relationship and your partner is unique, don’t try to be like others, it will never work
- Show your relationship Grace because the grass is never green on the other side
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is the definition of true love. Do you want a healthy, balanced, long-lasting happy relationship? Read, live and honor this: "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."
I'll end with this, true love is celebrated all year round, not only on February 14th of every year. Valentines Day is everyday because God who is love abides in us and our outwardly expression of love should be pure. His Grace is more than enough to help us each and every day (2 Corinthians 12:9). When you find yourself looking at others for validation, cut yourself some slack and give yourself a shade of grace. Give your spouse a shade of grace. Give your relationship a shade of grace. Everyone needs a shade of grace.
Be Encouraged, Be Blessed!
Landy Perez-Feliciano ♥
