AVARICE

What could be the next logical step for someone who thinks that they are so good they should have anything, and therefore decide to acquire and consume all of it without moderation? Naturally, like that unique species we like to call C.E.O, those who have it all, are usually those who give the least...

Avarice or greed as a relationsin is quite a stinger and is different from the first two sins because it is more of a passive sin. While we are used to judge greedy people as individuals who consciously refuse to give or share, emotionally or relationship-wise, it may not be such a conscious act, but the natural repercussion or side effect of Vanity and Gluttony.

One may say that they deserve the best, and therefore constantly be on the lookout for something better; however, in the fallible human nature that we have, we always reach a point where the longing to be with someone eventually causes us to pause, if only momentarily, and consider someone good enough for us.

Some call it "settling", and reason that it is more so the result of being discouraged or tired of looking. The truth that I have learned is that "everybody settles", including those in the best relationships; and there is nothing shameful about settling for an imperfect person who is perfect for you in the imperfect world you live in that itself is full of imperfect people....that is actually the only perfect thing to do...

The issue that plagues those victimized by the sin of avarice is a total refusal to give or share their inner person, emotional being or intimate life with someone else.

How often have I heard or said "I have great qualities, and will be a great partner for the right person..." subconsciously, there is a revelation that only once we find someone deemed good enough, only then will we be willing to give our all; interestingly enough, Christian tradition recommend giving yourself emotionally before doing so physically, yet, society has distorted the dynamics to a point where it seems easier for many to give physically rather than emotionally.

Everybody has some type of deal breaker relationship-wise, and nobody would recommend blindly giving oneself without some type of safeguards. Emotional Avarice stems from the aversion to open oneself to the opportunity of happiness by willingly or unwillingly shutting your heart to anyone who might inquire or try to get in.

Emotional Avarice is placing limitations on how much a spouse, partner or romantic interest can get close and discarding their need for emotional reassurance, encouragement, comfort and appreciation.

Acts 20: 35 says that "...it is better to give than to receive..." that verse and many like it in Proverbs and 2 Corinthians 9 are so true when it comes to relationships. Those who yearn to build that healthy relationship cannot or should not be selfish to hold on their best qualities for the right person because they may not find that right person unless they display the character and qualities that will be appealing to the right person.

Whether it is the wonderful sense of humor, the innate caring attitude or the charming word of comfort, we all have exceptional character traits that may be appealing to the opposite gender even if they are not the ones to share the rest of our lives; nevertheless, they may help someone believe in Love again, or encourage somebody to trust and enjoy other's company, or even better, they may inspire a neutral party to set up a meeting with the elusive one...

Avarice is the refusal to let others in, or to rob them from the emotional need they are entitled to as partners. In many relationships, attention is one-sided because one party feels it is better to receive than to give, and many people are single because of the fear of being hurt if they let somebody in too close.

Everybody's life has the potential to impact another's life, but this will be impossible if we guard our hearts too close and refuse to share the best in us.

It is indeed greedy to feel that others can open up to us while we are too precious to return the favor; it is extremely selfish to deny the love of our lives of the emotional nurturing they deserve once they have exposed their vulnerabilities to us.

Greedy people are eventually lazy, since their vain and gluttonous attitude have led them to a level where they want, want, but never give. The consequences is a total lack of willingness to work for what is worthy, or simply harvest and maintain what they have acquired.

After Avarice has consumed the heart of people, SLOTH settles in, and this is how we see what use to be a loving and promising relationship turn into a bitter and agonizing living arrangement. It all Started with Vanity that promoted Romantic Gluttony, which in turn triggered emotional avarice that gave birth to a slothful companionship.

I am not stranger to vanity, but I am thankful that pride preceded the fall which taught me humility. Humility trained me to appreciate contentment, and resist the urge of romantic gluttony; but Avarice is a work in progress, and a subconscious bondage that is fueled by the fear of failure and betrayal.

3 out of 7 is not bad, and the remaining 4 are to me like a visit similar to Dante's Inferno where I have witnessed the consequences of Emotional Avarice unchecked.

The battle cannot be fought alone, and Avarice is without a doubt the turning point in what may be either the very long path to solitude, the reversal to a route of continuous happiness or the downfall to romantic disaster.

A critical turn that surely necessitate paying attention to SLOTH and the remaining Relationsins...