Lessons From a Love Story

So a mentor of mine on the island lent us clinic people some Christian movies.  And lo and behold, this extremely cheesy movie titled Old fashioned made its way into our hands. I'll be honest, never planned on writing a devotional based on a kosher love story. I'm Not trying to be a critic or anything, but I'll admit that I learned something from that movie.  

Warning: spoiler alert (but chances are you probably haven't even heard of this movie)

This movie starts off with a guy named Clay.  Let's just say Clay didn't have the best past and He was pretty promiscuous.  Then he goes on to break someones heart and guilt hits him pretty hard.  So from that moment on he decides to put dating behind him and go the conservative route through courtship.  Lo and Behold comes Amber, and you know how love stories go.  They're different, they meet, they court, they get married.  

However, there was one thing different about this love story.  Instead of being covered with cheesy scenes of romantic dates, it was covered with scenes of courtship and questions.  It was honestly pretty awkward and different from the typical relationship.  So this continued on for a bit, but just like every typical love story, there has to be a conflict.  And during this moment of conflict, Mr. Clay finally realized something.  He realized the major reason why he's unwilling to show emotion and affection is because of his unwillingness to forgive himself.  In fact that was the reason why he put up all these kosher boundaries. He was living in his past which affected how he would associate with people today. 

Let's wrap it all together:

I believe the boundaries that Mr. Clay set up were good things.  However the motivation of these things were based upon fear and guilt.  He had the law but he didn't have the love, which in the end of the day drained him.  He was doing all the right things, but he couldn't show true love and affection to those he really cared for.  So maybe you're trying to kiss dating goodbye, kiss cheese goodbye, or whatever else that you don't need in your life anymore.  May you be strengthened by the love and forgiveness or God rather than worn out by your guilt.

Dear reader, maybe you have started to have reformation in your life.  If that's the case, well praise the Lord!  But remember the one that is worth reforming for and that's Jesus.  Not just because of your guilt and your short comings, but rather to honor God and those you come in contact with.  Don't allow guilt to knock on your front door.  Remember that where sin or lets say guilt abounds, grace abounds much greater.  

You should have a clear apprehension of the gospel. The religious life is not one of gloom and of sadness but of peace and joy coupled with Christlike dignity and holy solemnity. We are not encouraged by our Saviour to cherish doubts and fears and distressing forebodings; these bring no relief to the soul and should be rebuked rather than praised. We may have joy unspeakable and full of glory. -Mind Character Personality