2020-04-08. In Weakness as in Strength.
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Location: Oregon, US of A
Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Teacher(s): Thought Adjuster
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“God loves the sinner and hates the sin: . . . The love of God saves the sinner; the law of God destroys the sin.” [UB 2:6.8]
Thought Adjuster: “Both love and hate can significantly hamper sound judgment. In their state of emotional immaturity, human beings tend to project their wishful thinking on the object of their affection—stressing the pros while oblivious to the cons. As well, when hostility-driven, they inflate the disadvantages and overlook the mitigating advantages. Both attitudes place blindfolds on their heart and mind and, if unmonitored, may wreak havoc both at their broadcasting and receiving ends.
“What was different in the way Jesus led His life? He never let hate sneak into His heart. He witnessed how it got the worst out of those who failed to recognize how detrimental their contribution was to the general welfare. “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do,” was His heartfelt and heroic petition while enduring death pangs. His nobility of character stands in stark contrast with the angry curses many of you utter when faced with the outworking of iniquity, thus adding to its nauseating pool.
“However, one cannot say that His love blinded Jesus. He objectively assessed the human condition. How else could He posture as a savior? A savior is someone who intervenes after meticulously mapping the ley of the land, taking into account the strengths and risks of the operation. He knows how to draw the best in his troops to make up for their worst.
“Do not let hate invade your personal space and suffocate the good in you. Hate and anger are an extremely virulent duo that conquers by dividing, leaving destruction in its wake. In the end, the hater self-destroys.
“What would Jesus do in your stead? Far from being a cliché, it is the most relevant question to ask when faced with abject behaviors. It is how Jesus’ Spirit of Truth can guide you to make moral decisions. Jesus had a parental heart toward the sinners and tirelessly vested of Himself to awaken them to their highest good, to their divine potentials. Never did He give up on anyone, unless that individual first gave up on himself. Such is Love-in-Action, constant, steady, and forgiving. It is the tireless ‘provider’ of ever-renewed opportunities of personal reformation.”
