[TruthTalk] An open letter to Dean -- jd

[knpraise]

 

 

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From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]

 

Dean,  let me encourage you to continue.   If you need to take a break,  then that is what you must do. 

 

I want to express my appreciation to you for the change in attitude that has been obvious, now, for the past several months.   I doubt any on this forum is not aware of your change of pace in these discussions.   

 

I have been a member of TT  for two years, now.   The past couple of weeks  (at least) has produced perhaps the best continuing discussion on TT.  It  has been great.

 

David has been more consistent in the graciousness of his writings   -- at times as profound as any on this forum.   Bill has taken more time to contribute as well.   My writings are more of a distraction,  I fear,  but I actually write for my children !!   They have asked for a collection of what I think  --  not that it is  anything special other than I am their ‘ol man  ---   so I write for them.   I had a little scare a couple of weeks ago that has renewed my commitment to leaving them a “hard copy” legacy , if you will !!!!  

 

The value of the current discussion has been as much your doing as any on this forum.   What is more important,  Dean,  an attitude that encourages continued sharing or a well written abstract about some theological high point?   I give credit to the former.   And you , sir, are the head of the class on this one………………  in my opinion and without debated. 

 

We each hope that the other will come to agree with “us.”   But surely there is other benefit to our thinking and studying and praying and maneuvering and writing than the friendly persuasion of the opponent !!   Maybe something personal  ?   I hope.  Definitely true for me. 

 

Just a note from your friendly counselor:  impatience is always  --  ALWAYS -  a breach of the principle expressed in I Cor 13:5  which reads  “love does not seek its own  ….”   From an utilitarian point of view,  I do not see a more useful scripture as a pastoral counselor.   When I get impatient with you  - or Judy or whoever  --  it is due to pe rsonal failure in this regard  ……….   I have placed my own concerns ahead of all other considerations. 

 

Did you notice that this phrase is open-ended?   “Love does not seek its own   --  its own what !!??    Ah, and such is the brilliance of the expressed thought.   Love does not seek its own (fill in the blank.)   Love does not seek its own passion, its own opinion,  its own judgments,  its own good  ..  and I could go on and on, of course.  

 

 

 

 

Are you aware that this passage is addressed to the church?   The “love” passage is not directed to private relationships (marriage and the like).  Nope !!  Rather, it is Paul’s inspired advice as pertains to “conflict resolution” within the church and among brethren.    It is the code of conduct for such as TT  --  whether I am a good example of same or not !!  

 

Your attitude shift has encourage me , and perhaps other , to go and do likewise.  

 

Thanks,

 

jd