Love this essay, Domenic. One of the most powerful realizations I ever had was that God had loved me all along, even with my failings. That unconditional love was what inspired me to make necessary changes that brought me more in harmony with His purposes.
Now that I think about it, the times in my life that I've been most inspired to make deep changes was generally after receiving love or mercy that I felt I didn't really deserve.
Well written, as usual. This distinction is so often overlooked, but so important. Yes, God loves everyone. There is no change required to receive that love. But His love calls us to repentance, to embark on a journey of such immense responsibility that many fear even making the effort. I think it is quite telling when someone leans on God's acceptance "as they are" because it demonstrates a lack of love in their life. For how can one love another and not wish for them to live their best life possible?
That's a perspective I hadn't explicitly considered. Craving acceptance might come from a desire to *avoid* repentance and real love. Great reflection!
As always, THANK YOU for thought provoking and challenging reads. Growth is uncomfortable. It's important to know you are loved AND it's important to not get complacent... using it as an excuse to never question long held assumptions and not truly mature.
I appreciate this, Mike! I wonder if you, as a writer yourself, notice this as I do: Explicitly presenting my thoughts in an article helps me refine the finer points. Having to write what I'm reflecting on, is an exercise in non-complacency.
Yes I noticed the same thing. I feel it helps me get into a flow state, getting beyond my ego and into a concentrated form of attention I am unable to access otherwise.
Love this essay, Domenic. One of the most powerful realizations I ever had was that God had loved me all along, even with my failings. That unconditional love was what inspired me to make necessary changes that brought me more in harmony with His purposes.
Now that I think about it, the times in my life that I've been most inspired to make deep changes was generally after receiving love or mercy that I felt I didn't really deserve.
I've been working on that same kind of openness to grace in my life. Genuine, from-God love motivates; it inspires me to action for the better.
Well written, as usual. This distinction is so often overlooked, but so important. Yes, God loves everyone. There is no change required to receive that love. But His love calls us to repentance, to embark on a journey of such immense responsibility that many fear even making the effort. I think it is quite telling when someone leans on God's acceptance "as they are" because it demonstrates a lack of love in their life. For how can one love another and not wish for them to live their best life possible?
> ... many fear even making the effort.
That's a perspective I hadn't explicitly considered. Craving acceptance might come from a desire to *avoid* repentance and real love. Great reflection!
As always, THANK YOU for thought provoking and challenging reads. Growth is uncomfortable. It's important to know you are loved AND it's important to not get complacent... using it as an excuse to never question long held assumptions and not truly mature.
I appreciate this, Mike! I wonder if you, as a writer yourself, notice this as I do: Explicitly presenting my thoughts in an article helps me refine the finer points. Having to write what I'm reflecting on, is an exercise in non-complacency.
Yes I noticed the same thing. I feel it helps me get into a flow state, getting beyond my ego and into a concentrated form of attention I am unable to access otherwise.