Together Vs. As You Are

Updated 5/16

“His plea to His people is, 'Come now, wounded, frightened, angry, lonely, empty, and I’ll meet you where you live. And I’ll love you as you are, not as you should be, because you’re never going to be as you should be.' Do you really believe this? ...No matter what’s gone down, He can’t stop loving you. This is the Jesus of the Gospels.” - Brennan Manning. 

Many people that believe in Jesus or even simply study Him for his philosophy often credits His ability to love others far past any other leader here on earth. This example of love has inspired many social changes throughout American history.  

I often joke around when someone messes something up and would sarcastically tell them, “Get your life together!” Those who know me know this is in good fun but one thing Manning's quote convicted me on was the idea of being more patient with others when they do fall short. I know sometimes I set expectations too high and expect people to already have their affairs in order. I forget to leave room for the reality of people being people. I noticed I needed to do a better job of meeting people where they are rather than expecting everyone to have it all together. 

When I have been able to exercise this, the results of people and their development transcends past any expectations anyone could have ever had for them. The ability to be by someone's side and helping them to develop is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been apart of. If and when you are in a position to walk alongside someone, make sure to leave room for their human nature, but continue to add value to their life by walking in love and serving them as they grow. Remember, allow them to be “as they are” and your support can be what helps them to “get there life together.”
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Talk soon & God bless, 
MG