Love does not dishonor others

The only way the bible can be properly interpreted is if the messenger knows and understands the tone of the author's heart. This is why the bible says to speak the truth in love. Truth is a person with personality and that personality is love. Truth and love are interwoven together. This is where so many Christians is today - Loving words have been spoken to them in angry and unloving voice.

I also see rudeness in how we claim that God orders us around as though He were talking to a child. Parents understand what it's like to have your kids incessantly questions. Before you can answer her first "why", she would interrupt to ask "But why?" You eventually retreated to the stock answer of "Because I said so." This may go over with little children but say this to another adult, it becomes rude.

We have built our theology on a rude God who says, "Do it because I said so." Once a verse has been read, if you dare to ask why, your entire faith is on trial. The verse should be all you need. No explanation required. Don't question it, or you will be labeled a rebel.

Christianity has injected a "because the Bible say so" clause to give up individual thinking and blindly accept anything without question. To even ask "why" regarding the verse is misinterpreted as doubt. We believe this way because we think that God is rude and he never negotiates or explains. The only thing he wants from us is obedience.

Many people believe that blind obedience is a sign of spiritual maturity. We have come to see God as a rude slave master who isn't interested in our opinion; He just wants us to do what He says, when He says it. Who would want a relationship with that?

Though God is your father in Heaven, it's important for you to understand that He respects you. He doesn't treat you like a child. He understands that you are an adult, and He gives you the respect that an adult deserves. God will never talk down to you or treat you anything less than an adult. God respects your opinions and decisions. Believe it or not, He is even open to your input in certain circumstances. Not everything has to be done His way.

Your Father in heaven is creating a masterpiece in you. The masterpiece that already exists deep within His heart. Make no mistake about it; He will never expose the things in you that are unfinished! God does not expose sin, He covers it. From the beginning of time, God has been in the business of covering up sin. He soaks it up into Himself and away from you. Do not fear that God will ever humiliate you in order to humble you or teach you a lesson. Exposing an unfinished person is rude. You are His masterpiece, and He will protect you and cover you until you are complete. God brings all things to completion, and He leaves nothing unfinished. Though you are a work in progress, He has already declared you completed! By one sacrifice He has made you perfect forever. When He looks upon you, He sees only the finished product. What were Jesus' last words? He said, "It is finished."


"extracts from Misunderstood God by Darin Hufford"