Can love be unconditional?

Ryniel Muthusami

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February 19, 2014

So we all have someone in our lives that we love, whether it is a family member, husband, wife or friend. These people all mean the world to us and I’m pretty sure that we would do anything for them. But does anything include loving them unconditionally? I’m not saying we don’t love these people, but rather do we love them no matter what?

Well to be honest that’s not an easy question to answer because what is unconditional love, is it when we forgive our partner for disappointing us or not holding our friend responsible for crashing our car, maybe it’s when we choose to love the person who is bullying us? All of those are good examples of love, but unconditional love doesn’t just love in certain circumstances but rather loves in every circumstance, whether it be big or small.

I personally can’t imagine a love that sees no record of wrong, I’d be a liar to say that I loved everyone in my life and wouldn’t allow anything to come in-between that. The truth is I’m human; I get annoyed, disappointed, hold grudges and often let my emotions get the best of me.

That doesn’t mean I’m incapable of love but rather I’m incapable of unconditional love. But does that then mean that there is no such thing as unconditional love? The answer quite simply is NO.

There is a love that is unconditional, no matter the circumstance, a love that goes above and beyond anything we have ever experienced before, a love that forgives us even when we turn our backs on it. This isn’t a love that is here today and gone tomorrow, but a love that has been with us since the day we were born.

This love can only be found in one place, and that is in Jesus.

Jesus isn’t just a historical figure, he is a man who came down to earth to die for us, so that we may have access to and experience this unconditional love. He is the one that brings freedom and allows us to be able to approach God and have a relationship with him. It’s hard enough loving one person unconditionally, now imagine loving everyone like that.

What is even crazier is that God doesn’t love one person more than another, he loves everyone equally. Whether they acknowledge him or not!

So if there is such a thing as unconditional love, why wouldn’t you want to embrace that? Jesus died to set us free, there is no price for his unconditional love, all we have to do is follow him and live a life that brings glory to his name.

If you would like to know more about Jesus or unconditional love, please send us a message. We would love to hear from you.

A VOW OF VIOLENCE

Ryniel Muthusami

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February 12, 2014

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Woman abuse seems to have become another one of those topics that people talk about, but do so little to fight. We hear about it so often that we have almost become desensitized to it.

The reality is, one in four women experience some form of domestic violence during their lifetime. What scares me even more about this statistic is that most women often don’t report their abuse, so the number could actually be higher. The question I have is, why have we let it get to this point?

Women are beautiful, precious, caring, loving, giving, gentle, courageous, extraordinary, selfless; the list could go on forever. So what gives us the right to think we can harm them for not meeting our expectations? As men we need to stand up and say enough is enough. We are no longer going to stand for violence against women. Instead we are going to start a new culture, one that respects women for who they are. If we truly believe that we are made in God’s image, then how could we even consider harming one of His creations?

Woman deserve to be treated like the princesses they are! A vow of violence is not something they should ever be forced to accept. Let us fight what is wrong, but celebrate that which is right.

If you are a woman who has been through some form of abuse or know of someone who has, just know that you are not alone. There is a God who is always with you and this is not His plan for your life. You are worth so much more; in His eyes you are wonderfully and beautifully made. Take back your life and decide today that you are bigger and better than any form of abuse. There are people out there who can help you, you don’t have to go through this alone.

If this is something you are affected by, or know of someone who might be in this situation, please contact us below. We will do all we can to help.

THE WORTH OF A WOMAN

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Ryniel Muthusami

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February 5, 2014

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It’s a strange thing to ask, but what is the worth of a woman? I mean, most people would say that you can’t attach a price or value to a human, yet without knowing it we all seem to do it. I think it can be said that these days a woman’s worth isn’t generally measured by what she stands for or by the sacrifices she makes for her family, but rather by more superficial things like the way she dresses, her appearance and even those with whom she associates.

In today’s society, women are lead to believe that in order to have value, they need to live and behave in a certain way. The result; women are forced to be something they are not, just to please others. As a man, I think I am qualified to even go so far as to say how funny I find it that as men we say that we love the woman in our lives. Yet, how often do we even find ourselves being not content with allowing them to be completely who they are?

Frankly, I think it’s about time that we start to show women the worth that they deserve. Not because they have done something to earn it, but rather because it is their right. Every woman has value. I love the picture of a woman depicted in Proverbs 31, specifically verse 30 – 31

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise”

You see our worth isn’t found in the opinions of others, but rather in the eyes of God, the one who made us. We were never created to be anything less than that of the highest worth. We are of such value to God that not only did He create us in His image, but He also sent his only son to die for us.

So what is my challenge for you? That we may choose to view each other the same way that Christ views us, with the highest of worth. Never forget, in God’s eyes there are no favourites, we are all equal.

If you are struggling with feeling that you have low worth or perhaps know someone who feels this way, please contact us. We would love to chat to you.

WHAT ARE YOU WORTH?

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Ryniel Muthusami

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January 21, 2014

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So firstly, the video below isn’t one that we produced internally. It is a video that I came across on the net, one that really stuck out to me and made me view my worth in a new light.

Worth is defined as being the quality that renders something desirable, useful, or valuable. Now knowing what worth means, isn’t it amazing that we are all worth something. Knowing that we are all valuable and desirable, there is no price that great enough to purchase us, we are priceless.

Yet we live our lives somehow seeing ourselves as worth nothing. We have allowed people’s opinions and the media to influence the way we see ourselves. If we are worth so much, why do we see ourselves as so little?

What this video made me realize, is that no matter how much I mess up or what people think about me, my worth is still the same. Now, obviously that gets you thinking, how can that be possible. But once you realize that your worth isn’t determined by what you do or whom you associate with but rather by a God who created you in his own image. You will begin to understand why you are worth so much.

Now if God is powerful, wonderful, beautiful etc. and we are made in his image, then doesn’t that then mean that we too are powerful, wonderful and beautiful as well?

Yes it does!

So instead of spending your time worrying about other people’s opinions, rather focus on the only person whose opinion really matters, God’s.

Don’t allow yourself to become one of those people who thinks that they have messed up too much for God to love them. Remember God sees us equally, no matter who we are or what we have done. His love is unconditional.

You are worth so much, that someone was willing to die just to save you!

So embrace your worth and know that you are more valuable to God than any amount of money or object. Your worth has already been given, all you need to do is walk in it.

THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA

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Ryniel Muthusami

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January 14, 2014

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Social media, we all know what it is, I mean let’s be honest, who doesn’t have a Facebook or Twitter account. Being on social media has just become another part of our lives, we can’t go a day without checking our status or commenting on a picture we like. Social media and the internet have become so appealing that we spend more time on it than we do watching TV, approximately five hours a day to be precise.

Just to give you the full picture of how powerful social media is, here are some stats that you might find interesting. There are over 9.6 million people on Facebook in South Africa alone, followed by 5.5 million on Twitter and 4.7 million subscribed to YouTube. Just for a second imagine all these people being in one place at one time; there would be people further than the eye could see. To take it a step further, imagine being asked to stand up and address all those people; I’m pretty sure the veterans of public speaking would even find it quite overwhelming.

But that in itself is the beauty of social media; you have the opportunity to address millions of people from all around the world, from the comfort of your bedroom. Now don’t get me wrong, a lot of people abuse this power and we are often confronted with negativity and people’s opinions on how the world should be run.

But what if it could be used for something greater!

What if having access to all these people meant we had the opportunity to share life with them?

As Christians, our life goal is to share our faith. The problem we often face though is that we either struggle with confidence and the fear of rejection or we don’t come into contact with people who need to hear the Good News. That’s where social media can be so powerful and effective, not only can we share our faith to countless amounts of people online, we can also do it while not having to put ourselves in an uncomfortable position.

So let’s choose to fill our statuses with love and life, instead of negativity and hatred. Once we realise how broken and lonely the world is, the more we will feel the need to share the Good News that we have. Don’t think that you can’t make a difference in someone’s life, never take for granted the person God has called you to be.

Let’s allow social media to become our friend and make a choice to spread the love that we have so richly been given. You may not be the next Barack Obama and have the opportunity to address millions in person, but what you do have can be just as powerful.

CVC MEDIA INDIE SHORT FILM COMPETITION WINNERS

Ryniel Muthusami

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January 13, 2014

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CVC MEDIA INDIE SHORT FILM COMPETITION WINNERS

We are excited to announce the WINNERS of our very first CVC media indie short film competition.

Thanks to all the contestants who entered.

We will be launching another competition in the near future, so keep a look out.

Potential, I got that

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Ryniel Muthusami

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January 7, 2014

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It’s the start of a new year, and the thing I love the most about the beginning of a year, is that the year is filled with potential. We have no idea what the year will hold, yet we dream and plan about what it could be. For some this might be the year they finally get that raise, for others it might be having their first child. As it stands the realm of what is possible this year seems endless.

But potential is a funny thing; potential will only ever be potential until you act on it. Potential isn’t something that an elite few of us have either, it is something we are all born with. We all have potential, potential to do anything we want.

A friend of mine once asked me this question: “Where in the world would you find the most potential?”, to which I immediately replied with the name of a company and when he said no, I continued to ramble off names of successful companies. But the answer was still no, he said “…the greatest place to find potential isn’t in a company, it is in a graveyard.” Now obviously reading this you are probably as confused as I was at the time. But let me explain it a little bit: you see we all have potential and the choice to use it or not, but the problem is that many people are too scared to ever take that leap of faith and chase the dream they have. We often settle for what is comfortable and easy, but we should believe that God has called us to do great things and that if He is with us and for us, then no one can be against us.

Graveyards are filled with potential that was never fulfilled; people lived with the potential they were gifted with, but instead of using it, took it to the grave with them. We will never know who those people could have been or what they might have been able to achieve.

So this year don’t allow yourself to be one of those people, realize that you have the potential to do great things, not because I say so, but because the God of the universe does. So make a choice to be bold and brave, to step out of your comfort zone and be all that God has called you to be.

You never know what is possible until you try it!

Make this year your best year yet.

Potential, I GOT THAT

THE MODERN NATIVITY

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Ryniel Muthusami

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December 19, 2013

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During this time of the year everyone is in the festive mood, everywhere you go you are surrounded by the spirit of Christmas. What makes Christmas so special is that it’s the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the so-called “Nativity”. Most of us will have heard this famous story either from our parents, at school or at our local church. The problem is that for most of us, that is all it is. A story. We all see the Nativity as something that happened long ago (which it did) and as something that isn’t really relevant in today’s society. It’s become another one of those stories that is usually told like a history lesson. But the Nativity Story is more relevant today than it has ever been before.

You might wonder how that can be possible, but let me explain…

Technology has advanced enormously and our social standings are a lot more diverse today – basically the world is a completely different place to what it was 2000 years ago. And yet – God is still the same. And the Nativity story is actually the story of how God saved the world! This day not only shaped history, but has become the very reason we have life. Jesus’ birth not only set the Christian faith into motion but has become the very reason we follow the dates on our calendar. And more importantly – if it wasn’t for the birth of Jesus and the events of his birth none of us would be able to have a relationship with the living God!

Why do I say this story is more relevant today than ever before?

The truth is, our world has become more corrupt and self-serving than ever before, more and more we hear of new wars breaking out. Daily we are faced with the possibility of becoming a victim of crime, violence or theft. Alcohol and drug abuse is on the rise and doesn’t show signs of decreasing. All in all the entire world has become a darker place, leaving it more in need of a savior than ever before.

Instead of seeing the Nativity as just a story, rather see it as the greatest day to have ever happened. Wherever you go, no matter who you meet, be sure to remind them of what and Who we are really celebrating. The day that opened the way for us to be set free, even though we didn’t deserve it.

I encourage you this Christmas to pursue a real relationship with the living Christ. He was born for so much more than to give us a day to share presents with those we care about! He was born so that we could experience the greatest gift, real relationship with Him forever.

THE GIFT OF PERSPECTIVE

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Ryniel Muthusami

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December 10, 2013

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The gift of perspective.

You’ve lost everything, your job, your house, your car, your partner and worse your self-belief. The world seems pointless; the days drag by and with every passing week your self-esteem reaches new all time lows. You are trapped in a vicious cycle, with no way of getting out.

This scenario sounds all too familiar.

More and more people wake up to this reality every day, it’s not something that is uncommon it today’s society. With greater financial and social pressure, more and more people are finding themselves in this very situation.

But does this have to be the end of the road; has your life amounted to nothing?

The truth is, no matter what situation you find yourself in, there is still hope. You are not a lost cause; you just need a new perspective. You can choose to view your situation as negative or allow yourself to rise above it. I know it sounds easier said than done, but you won’t be doing it on your own. There is a hope and love greater than any of our understanding that is with you, that hope is known as Jesus. Just like in the video, we have a choice. One that has the ability to take our situation and turn it around for good. That is the choice to allow Jesus to take the wheel, to allow him to deal with our problems and give us a new beginning.

I’m not saying that everything will be easy going, we all face challenges and trials but the beauty is that we no longer have to face them on our own. Your current situation doesn’t have to predict the rest of your life, but rather let it become a stepping-stone to something greater.

The gift of a new perspective is a beautiful thing. So why not make a decision to change your perspective today.

IS GRACE FOR EVERYONE?

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Ryniel Muthusami

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December 3, 2013

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We’ve all made mistakes, done something that we aren’t proud of. Perhaps even turned our backs on family and loved ones. But do we have to live with these mistakes for the rest of our lives; does it have to be the end of the road?

The answer is NO.

You see, no matter what you’ve done, whether it be big or small, you are forgiven. Not because you have earned the forgiveness, but because there is a God who loves you no matter what you’ve done. That’s the beauty of grace. It isn’t just for a select few, it’s for everyone. We have all at one stage done something that is “unforgivable”, yet God looks passed that and forgives us anyway.

There is nothing you have done that can ever separate you from the love of Christ. You will always be welcomed home by a Father that loves and forgives you.

All we have to do is make a choice to accept Christ’s love and forgiveness and live a life of freedom and fulfilment.

We don’t deserve it, we might not always understand it and yet we still receive it. This is what makes grace so amazing.

Ryniel Muthusami

Thanks to all the contestants who entered.

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