It sometimes appears as if we live in a “gray” world, full of ideas of tolerance and acceptance. Yet it is (our individuality) the black and white of who we are (including our character) that speaks volumes through the way we communicate, act, and treat others on a personal level. No one can be right all of the time, no one is perfect. We cannot be right all the time and also be accepting of other people’s opinions and beliefs (differences). At some point in time, in all rel

When we think about love we often think about feelings. Love shows how much we value our relationships with others. We also honor others through our expressions of love. The word love is represented by multiple words in the Greek language. These three Greek words express levels of love as well as recognize that love is a commitment. Philia: love among friends, sometimes referred to as “brotherly” love Storge: relational love shared between family members, sometimes referred t

Authentic love can change people and relationships. Authenticity is in part; a willingness to acknowledge reality, a lack of fear of exposure, an ability to be open. Authentic love is expressed through words that speak truth and actions that are taken because someone cares. When someone is authentic you can peel back the layers of their life; see the love they have shown, and understand that the words they said and the actions they promised were true. Again, authenticity isn

Letting love and faithfulness guide our relationships, through being patient and showing kindness, impacts not only us (individually) but also the relationships we have with others. We can’t live someone else’s life and we can’t always make things “better” for people who are struggling in life. What we can do is walk beside one another, throughout trials in life, showing patience and sharing acts of kindness to help make life better for all of us. We can also certainly make t