God gives law to humanity because he has confidence in us: with adequate knowledge we can do the right thing.
God gives law because he wishes us well: Those who live in harmony with God's law generally richer, sweeter, more harmonious and longer lives than those who are lawless.
A church community ought to create a environment where lawful living is part of the very fabric of the community. When we successfully form such communities, all of us--old timers and children alike--will find it easier to live well. We will be a blessing to one another and to neighbors and friends.
Law is not a description of how we earn God's grudgingly-given approval. It is a description of an enjoyable and fruitful life.
I'll post a manuscript a bit later this evening.
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6 comments:
But the laws should be fair, reasonable, and appropriate for the situation - also compassionate and not so much rigid as practical. I would think at least. Maybe flexible?
I am not sure that people who are abused by those who misuse power, influence, love and control ever really heal. What are your thoughts?
"really heal" If by this you mean can their lives return to the trajectory it would have had if there had never been any abuse, then no. If by "really heal" you mean making a life full of meaning, purpose and joy, then, yes.
God's plan for our lives never begins at any point other than the one we are at right now. Which means that his plan for a blind person's life includes blindness, his purpose for a paraplegic does not include working legs.
While I cannot imagine living with blindness or paralysis, many people do live with these conditions, and they do so in a way that transforms what is to me unimaginably misery into part of life rich with joy and service.
I have read stories of people doing the same with their histories of abuse.
For so many it is very difficult - even maybe impossible - to learn to trust after they have been crushed by abuse of power. What would you say to them? That is maybe the essence of PTSD.
"For so many it is very difficult - even maybe impossible - to learn to trust after they have been crushed by abuse of power. What would you say to them?"
I wouldn't even venture an answer. I would direct them to people with either expertise or experience.
And yet you have facilitated so many to find healing.
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