Psychologists also tell us what we already know: we need love. We need to be loved and we need to love others. For that, we need relationships—close, caring relationships. And we need to feel forgiven for the traits or acts, the things we do that are unkind, unjust or hurtful to others, the things that disappoint us about who we are. We need to forgive others, too. We need these things for psychological and community health. We all need them.
But most of us are sadly and regrettably selfish and self-serving, even calculating and controlling, in how we share or withhold, receive or refuse these health-giving and health-sustaining aspects of identity, relationship and community. Too many cannot openly and selflessly give; too many cannot openly and gratefully receive. It’s not Heaven yet. And the frequency and depth of our unsatisfying relationships too often make that abundantly clear.
That is why a faith life and spiritual identity are so important to becoming who we have the potential to be, who we were meant to be, to finding the relationships that can take us there. And if kept in focus and balance, they will lead us to those healing, strengthening and sustaining relationships. And more so, if we find a spiritual guide or master who models and teaches these essential aspects of life and relationship. More so, if that person reflects singular and credible identity with the nature and life of God--a human example, but also a relationship and unassailable ideal still present with us through God’s Spirit. More so, if he calls us to that relationship and identity through Him.
Jesus, Annointed One, Healer. The One who divinely loves and wants to be loved, yesterday, today and forever. The compassionate, gentle One who always forgives and comforts. The One who opens our ears to hear, our eyes to see, and our hearts to love. The One who will lead us in our life with God. Jesus, the most important and healing relationship of all.
First written: November 2007
© Gregory E. Hudson 2007
