We are Loved... Warts and All!

We live in a society that tends to expect perfection – the perfect look, the perfect relationship, the perfect words. Our actions are expected to be void of mistakes, errors, misjudgements and so forth. Sadly, if you do something someone doesn't like they may 'cancel' you which means you will likely be ostracized, boycotted, or shunned by them. The pressure for our lives at least appear perfect is tangible which can lead one to view others with less than charitable eyes. Perfectionism and comparison go hand in hand and can become deep rooted habits, like warts, that are hard to overcome. Comparison often spurs one to judge others OR causes anxiety and self criticism. This is toxic to cherished connections and steals joy.

In relationships our response to other people’s lack of perfection matters a LOT! President Nelson recently reminded us to watch how we speak about others, and to make sure that those things we say are virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy whether we are speaking to his face or behind her back. (April 2023) Speaking and thinking that way emulates the Savior’s grace, which says: “I know you messed up here, and that stinks, but your actions won’t push me away. Instead, they motivate me to draw closer because I know you can do better. I believe you will do better, and I’ll be walking beside you each step of the way.” I can’t help but imagine what it would be like to live in a culture where grace is generously given, where we mirror God’s heart to others in our homes, churches and communities.

I think we have days where, just like the combine, we are doing pretty good. On the other hand, there are days where it seems there are multitudes of mouths (responsibilities) to feed and we are armed with only two small fishes and a hand full of loaves. We may even be feeding the monster of expecting perfection from ourselves or others. No matter what the case, no matter how great the lack, we need the Savior to perfect our efforts and magnify them, and as with the loaves and fishes, we see that He doesn’t just fill the need to precision, but rather He expands our efforts to overflowing as he perfects our offering.