Fair-weather relationships are easy. It’s not difficult to show up when everything is going well. But our loyalty is tested through life’s challenges. Loyalty calls for our wholehearted devotion even when it’s not convenient.
A loyal fan sticks around and supports his team even when they are not doing well – a true fan who believes in the goodness of his team regardless of their record.
Certainly there is disappointment and even anger whenever they are not playing to their best. But at the end of the day, a loyal fan remains true to his team.
Loyalty is our unwavering devotion despite the ups, downs, and messiness of life.
We might express loyalty to God, country, and family, but there is also brand loyalty and the loyalty our pets express toward us.
We are all loyal to something. But sometimes we need to practice loyalty in those relationships closest to us.
Loyalty goes beyond our external commitments.
Being married for 50 years, for example, might be a mark of patience and endurance, good qualities to be sure, but not necessarily one of loyalty.
Likewise, loyalty in friendship is much more than merely maintaining a regular guy’s night.
Loyalty is an expression of our deep heart toward another and not just our surface behaviors.
Are we a true fan? Is our whole heart devoted toward their good? Will we offer our unwavering support even when it’s difficult and the cost is high?
Without doubt, loyalty sometimes calls for tough love and accountability, but it never gives up. Even when emotions are high, our heart remains faithfully for the other.
Life and relationships are messy. They are rarely convenient and require a lot of us.
Keep showing up with your whole heart and allow your loyalty to bring out the best in your life and relationships.
Photo by Almos Bechtold on Unsplash
