[TruthTalk] God's Hate and God's Wrath

[Judy Taylor]

From: "Charles Perry Locke" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> From: Terry Clifton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> How 'bout we take one of us each week, put that person on a chopping block and then the rest of us can  verbally hack at him or her until all the victim's shortcomings lay bare.   CP:  Terry, in the proper environment this can be very healthy towards increasing introspection and building one's character, but in an environment such as TT, I feel it would only serve to destroy good people.   jt: Oh Charles, I took what Terry wrote as tongue in cheek. I could never imagine this kind of thing being healthy ever. Critical spirits are so destructive and they are part of the "other" kingdom, the one that kills, steals, and destroys.   CP:   I say this because, as long as the people that commant 1) truly are our good friends, love us, and want to help us, and 2) can be honest wihthout being intentionally hurtful, then this will benefit those involved. However, I see so much on TT that is intended to hurt, that I feel in the TT environment such an exercise would only server to destroy. In such an emotionally charged environment, where most everyone's theology is the only right one, it would not be a pretty sight.   jt: I don't believe it has to do with theology so much as it has to do with a lack of love and understanding. I'm sure that in our hearts we all want to be perfect but only the power of God can cause this to happen because we are born into a fallen creation with an inheritance of sin and iniquity from our fathers.  My own mother has an extremely critical tongue that has done a lot of damage even though she would tell us that only those who love you will tell you the truth and other ppl just talk about you. This kind of "love" is self serving at best; she wanted to conform us to her image which would make life easier for her. The God kind of love says "and above all things have fervent charity among yourselves, for charity shall cover the multitude of sins" 1 Peter 4:8 "hatred sitrreth up strifes but love covereth all sins" Proverbs 10:12   CP:   I was involved in an experiment a few (20) years ago where I was asked to approach my three closest friends, tell them of the experiment, then ask them to be totally honest with me and tell me exactly how they see me as a person. Believe me, there are many I would not have asked, even though I considered them friends, because I felt they could not be objective and to serve the good of the experiment, and not bring in their own baggage and intentionally slice me up, looking for an opportunity to better themselves at my expense. So, I chose very carefully. I chose those friends that I felt truly loved me, and wanted to help me better myself. I chose wisely, and the information they provided caused me to reflect heaviliy on myself, and hopefully to improve my character.   jt: I wouldn't put such a burden even on close friends and since love covers even their appraisal wouldn't be all that accurate. I wouldn't ask a girl in love to accurately appraise her beloved. Best to ask her after she's been married 10-15yrs if you want the truth. Who was running the experiment?   CP:   It is extremely beneficial to see yourself as others see you...but, you have to be able to trust that they have no agenda, and that they see you accurately without thier own colored spectacles getting in the way.  Perry   jt: Have you met anyone without their own particular brand of colored spectacles Perry?  Careful!  If your answer is yes you will have Lance on your case :)  judyt