Butterfly Love
Ephesians 4:2 “with all humility and mildness, with patience, putting up with one another in love.”
~I love the “putting up” part of this verse. In the past, I admittedly used those words often which makes me laugh now. I’d say things like “I’m tired of putting up with this crap” or “I’m tired of putting up with you.” The “putting up” part can be up for interpretation. I used to think it was toleration. I am tolerating someone’s behavior. I am tolerating a current situation. In a sense, it would give me a way out. If I tolerate someone then I am doing the right thing. But, let’s look at the definition of tolerate. The dictionary says “an act or instance of tolerating, especially of what is not actually approved.” So this is when I switched course. Could tolerating mean accepting?
~If I accept someone for who they are in their entirety, is that okay? And, when do I put the kibosh on behavior no longer becoming? As Christians we are commanded to love one another as God loves us. Flaws and all. That can be a tall order and I am a short woman 🙂 In all seriousness, the key to my life has been communicating. I’m huge on it. Yes, my short self is big on this one. There are times I have had to explain my position, my feelings to someone in hopes that that person wouldn’t judge me. There have also been times where someone would tell me where they are coming from in hopes that I would understand. That takes courage.
~With lack of communication starts the lack of understanding. The lack of understanding starts the confusion. The confusion can lead to animosity or anger. All that stress can be avoided by opening mouths and using words. Words in a constructive way to build bridges to one another instead of burning them. Once the bridge is out, there is no path back. Starting conversations with a kind heart full of humility is a good way to avoid awkwardness. Not always will this work though. Everyone doesn’t have my best interest. Those that hurt or maim cannot be reasoned with or even talked to. I give the benefit of the doubt once. Then, I give a second chance because we all deserve that. But, three strikes means ballgame over.
~To repeat bad behavior is intentional or learned. That individual would want to have to change it. Until then, it is in my nature to stay away. I still care but I pray from afar for that person. There are some things God will make right in His time. There is no need for me to “put up” with abusiveness of any sort. I can’t get wrapped up in everyone’s approval. I know from God’s word this is not to be sought after. What I seek is coming out better through friendships. I give what I can. I receive what I can. My discretion I pray for so as not to be assuming or unforgiving but pure in nature. That beautiful prayer of God giving the serenity to change what I can and wisdom to know when I can’t.
~So, in conclusion, I would say “putting up” is a form of toleration. I “put up” with my Lupus but that doesn’t mean I like it! I’ve taken this to heart with the meaning that it is taking care of one another with God’s love as a protective barrier. It is building one another up with compassion and care not tearing each other apart with jealousy or anger. My spirits are lifted by others like minded. I am comforted by those I have the privilege of calling friends. I feel extremely blessed for my life and those that are in it. I am rooting for mankind. We can do anything with God’s help and guidance. Here’s to maintaining relationships rooted in love! Salud! #LupusMariposa® #PutUpWithNo #TolerateNo #LoveYes #LupusLove #LoveOthers #ButterflyQueen #Madagascar
