in one moment you post words of great compassion and inclusiveness that one would find in the appreciation of humanity . . . then in the next moment you seem to throw all that out.
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I do not wish harm or evil on anyone. I believe that people often make choices that are neither wise nor right and my words do not alter that reality. It is a flawed illustration but -- someone who chooses to abuse alcohol or meth is going down a road that will not end well. You cannot abuse your body and have no bad results from that. My words and wishes do not alter reality. I can offer friendship and comfort but perhaps i also need to say don't abuse alcohol and don't self medicate with drugs. They can remain my friend but maybe if I were a better friend I would be more direct in some of my words. There are similar situations with the soul and spirit. I did not redeem my self but was found by my Savior and my purpose is now to be his. While offering the kindest and warmest words I can find that do not cross out what I believe to be true I want to be at peace with all men as far as it stands with me. But I cannot offer what is not mine to give -- marriage status to that which is not marriage by nature.
I believe we are made by God and for God -- we are not our own and we are never at peace until we are reconciled to our creator. In our current state rebellion will always feel like freedom but it is not true freedom. True freedom comes from being aligned to our purpose and that purpose is to know God and worship God. We are not joined to God -- not redeemed -- by our rule keeping but by grace. I believe the whole bible message that God sent a Savior to die for our crimes and to reconcile all who call on him. (Almost all fairy tales include some hint or element of this redemption story) When we begin to trust him that will include a growing pattern of obedience to him. My fidelity to my Savior means a commitment to personal obedience and holiness and also a commitment to kindness toward all. There is often tension in this calling. I stand within the circle of the reality in which I believe and speak out of that conviction. I reject the spineless sentimentality of religion that has no place for holiness as the bible defines holiness and I reject the self righteous ugliness of religion that bludgeons people as if they are nothing.
It must seem confusing at times to those who are on the outside. It has always been this way and 2000 years of the writing of XNs bears that out.
“In the world it is called Tolerance, but in hell it is called Despair...the sin that believes in nothing, cares for nothing, seeks to know nothing, interferes with nothing, enjoys nothing, hates nothing, finds purpose in nothing, lives for nothing, and remains alive because there is nothing for which it will die.” Dorothy Sayers
