O-One- U2

“Is it getting better Or do you feel the same Will it make it easier for you now that you got someone to blame?”

Life is full of pain and struggle. It is just a part of our life here on earth. However, often the deepest pain and struggle we face in life is often from each other. The betrayal of trust. Confidentiality. Hurtful words that are better left unsaid. We are flawed, broken people in need of a savior everyday, every hour and minute of our existence.

I have experienced firsthand this pain from people in my life. People who knew me well and those who didn’t. It has often rocked me to the core, but through that pain I have found the beauty of a deeper relationship with God.

“One life, One blood One life you got to do what you should One life with each other, sisters and brothers One life, but we’re not the same We get to carry each other, one. “

Life at it’s finest is found in supporting and encouraging one another. Helping each other through the victories and struggles in life. Our identity being so wrapped in each other that people can see the difference of life lived in true community.

Over the past year, I have been the benefit of love and care beyond my wildest imagination. People from all over the world showed Jennifer and me love and care after the birth of our son Joseph. Love and care through meals prepared, gifts, and the gift of presence above else.

All of these people came together as one unknowingly (or perhaps knowingly) despite not all being the same in any way, shape, or form. They were united in a common purpose and a common goal. It feel special to be loved so deeply in such a profound way.

However, it just gave me a foretaste or a glimpse in what the body of Christ is supposed to be to each other and the world around us. To each other, we should care for each other as a nursing mother cares for her children and how a father is to affirm, comfort, and discipline their children (1 Thessalonians 2). This is how we present to the world that we follow him by our love. It all begins with our love with each other.

Then this love spreads out to the world around us, showing the living proof of a faith inside that points to Jesus' work in our lives.Through our words, actions and simply our presence, we are to communicate love. Bob Goff says in best when he says in his book, "Everybody Always" that loving everybody begins in its earnest is to love those who creep you out. So love, love, love on those who treat you poorly. Who misunderstand you. Who don't want anything to do with you. Just be the loving presence of Jesus to a watching world. Become love.

Carry each other today, friends. Be so united in your love for each other that your identity is wrapped up in each other's identity. sons and daughter of the living God. Help those you love to become what they already are today. It is only then we will become one.