authentici-TEA

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8, NASB) 

"Tea is a balm for the soul, don't you agree?" Mrs. P. L. Travers (Emma Thompson) asked Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) on the Malco big screen where "Saving Mr. Banks" was showing.

Mr. Disney accepted the tea and the sentiment BUT he understood beyond that. He saw Mrs.Travers, whom he insisted on calling by her given name, for who she was. He also sought to help her not only see her true self, but to accept it as well. 

Accepting one another, warts and all, is authentici-TEA in relationships.

The Lord models that. He genuinely loves us and accepts us. He provides forgiveness as the balm we need. 

The old African-American spiritual,"There is a Balm in Gilead," says it well.

There is a balm in Gilead

To make the wounded whole;

There is a balm in Gilead 

To heal the sin sick soul.

 Accepting each other and sharing our own cuppa of authentici-TEA, is a good basis for a genuine relationship. It might even provide a balm for one who is hurting.