The Good Guilt.

In our relationship with one another, may we be found guilty of loving. Loving as we love ourselves. When that seems to be depleted, then loving as Christ loves us.

May we be found imprisoned for being patient with one another including ourselves.

May we be found at the gallows for forgiving one another starting with ourselves.

May we be found at the cross for being at peace with each other, especially ourselves.

In our relationship with one another, may we be found guilty of loving, loving as Christ loves us so that we may fully know God.

As Peter once suggested,

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For,

“Whoever would love life

and see good days

must keep their tongue from evil

and their lips from deceitful speech.

They must turn from evil and do good;

they must seek peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

and his ears are attentive to their prayer,

but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. ” (1 Peter 3:8-18)

In our relationship with one another, may we be found guilty of loving.