On November 3rd, 2009, I wrote a letter for this website entitled, “The Same Here and There.” This letter is a confession along the pattern that I laid out in that letter. Today, I would like to share an area where I am not the same here and there, and am in need of growth, maturity and repentance.

As I raise my daughter, Makenzie, I can see that I am much more delicate, thoughtful and patient with her than I am with others. Not always, but most of the time. With others, I am much more prone to being impatient, rash, or unnecessarily hard. I am excited that I have some strengths with Makenzie, but the calling of the bible is for us to turn our “weakness into strength.” Hebrews 11:34.

As I consider my shortcomings with my wife, Lynette, I believe that my issue is that I don't love unconditionally. My love has prerequisites; it’s needy. You can't just exist and do nothing for me to love you, you must be improving or advancing in some way. That's horrible.

Whatever it is that God enables me to do with my little one, I need to duplicate for those who also need it. My love is not so enduring. It should “always persevere.” 1 Corinthians 13:7.

In short, I am a needy man. I have baggage that comes attached with my “love.”

Perhaps you may have similar problems with the way you love and are in need of repentance like me.