Let’s Grow Together

Growing old together is like embarking on a wild roller coaster ride,

filled with challenging moments.
My Lola Juling used to shout at Lolo Celo because he could no longer
hear her well. One day, she yells, “Kain na tayo!” But Lolo didn’t react. She
shouts louder. Again, no reaction.
Lola told me, “Ay, bingi. Sabihin mo nga kakain na tayo.” And Lola
softly said those words again in a loving way. Lolo stood up and started
preparing the food. What?!
I stayed with Lolo and Lola in their last days before they returned to
God. I’ve witnessed how they cared for each other even in their old age.
This incident reminds me that love endures, even as the wrinkles
deepen.
Friend, I pray that you receive the grace to embrace your loved ones’
quirks and really grow patiently with them.
Have a love-filled Feast!
Be joyful always,
Edward Marcel

Talk 2: Growing 2gether

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It
does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of
being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the
truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and
endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT)
“A man's wisdom gives him patience. It is to his glory to overlook an
offense.” (Proverbs 19:11)
“Patience is better than pride.” – (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
“Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly
accept each other.” (Ephesians 4:2)
“Love rejoices in the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6)
“speak the truth in a spirit of love.” (Ephesians 4:15)
“why worry about a speck in your friends’ eyes when you have a log in your
own?” (Matthew 7:3-5)
“The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver.” (Proverbs
25:11)
“A wise friend’s kind reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.”
(Proverbs 25:12)
“Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword but wisely spoken
words can heal you.” (Proverbs 12:18)
“A wise mature person is known for his understanding and the more
pleasant his words are, the more persuasive he is.” (Proverbs 16:21)
“If someone is trapped in a sin you should gently lead that person back to
the right path.” (Galatians 6:1)
“An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship.” (Proverbs 24:26)
“In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.”
(Proverbs 28:23)
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have
against one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you not because they
deserve it.” (Colossians 3:13)
“Never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God for he has said he will repay
those who deserve it.” (Romans 12:19)
“In the same way that you judge others you will be judged. And with the
measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:2)
“Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been
merciful.” (James 2:13)
Personal Reflection and Group Sharing:
1. Are there people in your life you need to forgive, be patient with, or
somebody you need to correct with love? Share an experience.
2. Of the three qualities to grow together (patience, truthfulness,
forgiveness), which do I need to focus on?