Love as a Spiritual Practice

Sermon Notes for Sunday February 15, 2026 Rev. Sheryl Padgett
We often search for the “perfect” partner, friend, or community — only to discover that perfection is a moving target. The real invitation of love is not perfection, but presence.

Love is not chemistry, fantasy, or destiny.

Love is a spiritual discipline.

Unity teaches that love is a divine power within us — the great harmonizer that unifies, heals, and restores wholeness. Modern neuroscience confirms what metaphysics has long taught: healthy, loving connection strengthens emotional resilience, calms the nervous system, and supports real healing in the brain.

If love is sacred, how do we practice it?

Five Spiritual Skills for Sacred Relationships

• Self-Resolution – Taking responsibility for your own triggers and healing your inner wounds before blaming others.

• Self-Regulation – Calming your nervous system so you respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.

• Curiosity – Choosing understanding over judgment; asking, “Help me understand.”

• Boundaries – Loving with clarity about what is healthy, respectful, and sustainable.

• Repair – Returning after conflict with humility and a willingness to restore connection.

Sacred love is not about finding perfect people.

It is about practicing love as we grow.

When we cultivate peace within ourselves, regulate our emotions, remain curious, honor boundaries, and choose repair over pride, we become safe and steady partners in all our relationships.

Love is not waiting for perfection.

It is waiting for practice.