March 7th, 2021: Loving-Kindness

 

Some people find it hard to make promises. Others make promises as if they mean nothing. Sometimes we make promises while knowing very well that we can only fulfill that if we work with God's help. Our wedding vow is one of those. Most of us would not have the courage to say the vow if we really appreciate what it means. I understand that some folks might also say marriage is overrated. Marriage is not something that we can rate. It is a way to honor someone by stating a commitment in front of our families and friends.


How should we go about making promises? We make promises to others out of loving-kindness. Loving-kindness means the following:


We have to have a meaningful relationship with the person to whom we make a promise. It is about understanding our responsibilities and commitment in that relationship. It is about acknowledging that she or he is a gift of God in our life. There is no casualness in the art of making a promise.


We understand that as we cherish these relationships, it doesn't mean that things always go well. We can encounter a horrible challenge in life, and sometimes we can't manage things alone. We might face emotional challenges, physical set back, mental confusion, and spiritual brokenness. We know that someone will respond to our cry for help.


In loving-kindness, the promise is to take care of one another and carry each other's burden. It is a sacrifice we choose to have in lifting up another person. It is about learning to share life with others. We cannot make a promise without that understanding. Therefore, it becomes the description of how we can care for one another sacrificially.


Psalm 36: 7

"How precious is Your loving-kindness, O God!

And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings."


Psalm 117: 12

"For His loving-kindness is great toward us,

And the truth of the Lord is everlasting.

Praise the Lord!"

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