HOPE, PEACE, AND LOVE

"Love is patient, love is kind...it always protects, always trusts, always perseveres.  Love never fails."

1 Corinthians 15:4

Emerson tells us that, "Love is a synonym for God." I find it ironic that we as individuals often wear blindfolds to that very fact. Love should protect and persevere, always. Love is the guiding Force behind all creation. Love is unconditional, and by that very phrase, it sends a message that it should be felt by all. 

Of all the many faith traditions, there are several principles that are held in common. Being kind to others, honoring all life, creating harmony, being of service to others, to mention a few. I find it ironic that many battles are driven by belief that, "God is on  my side." There are always at least two sides. How can Spirit be on both sides. Perhaps God is really for Peace. Shelter, sustenance, equal justice, must be available to all humanity. The Dalai Lama tells us that his religion is, "Kindness and Compassion." 

Of all God's attributes I believe, "The greatest of these is Love."

May I be happy, May I be well. May I be safe. May I be peaceful and at ease.

--The Buddhist Loving Kindness-Meta prayer

Do you have a Spiritual Practice? Does it  include the love and compassion you have for others? Do you notice the difference in your attitude when someone gives you a genuine compliment? Remember that feeling as you pass a compliment on to another person. Life is short, and the happiness shared makes a world of difference to others.

Love and Light,

Rev Sandy Smith


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