Although you mention experiencing burdens from when you were a little boy, which in my mind could mean so many things that either you dealt with on a personal level or had witnessed. I do wonder about those who carry things and seem to never find relief. But to compare your experience with Job and the sifting that Peter endured and escaped paints a very deep intact understanding that you do feel empowered by these trials you have overcome. And the urgency to create an atmosphere of peace amongst us all is very telling. Very admirable considering you are looking beyond this moment but desire this moment right now to be united.
So many thoughts are flooding my mind here and now from reading your words. I believe I shall take this at a slow even pace to see if my thoughts connect here. I would almost wonder if you are a counselor because in the medical arena you seem qualified as a therapist/psychologist.
Sir, you are very wise. And your gentle sense in this discussion, separates you from the likes of Zophar, Bildad, and Eliphaz. Instead of assuming horrible things that would be considered disparaging to my person, which is what these three "friends" were guilty of, your heart is following the proper and Divine response to those who suffer. And to this, is why the Lord has gifted those who suffer, with the Book of Job. Very few seem to recognize the Holy Purpose of this Book, for you are the only one to have acknowledged its purpose. The vast majority want to focus on the notion that "Job never sinned," but even this is misunderstood. The Book of Job is not only written for those who suffer, but is also a written Word that points to our shocking Messiah, who would be tortured, and not utter a word. How . . . staggering. And of course, this is the example that we are to follow, and not the example of His saying harsh things to others. For, that is the role of God and God alone.
Matthew 5:22 KJV - "But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire."
Who are we to berate anything the Lord creates? Who are we to say that His creations are no good? Who are we to cast disparaging words against another? Moreover, who are we to even challenge God Himself in how He has created us?
Romans 9:20 NKJV - "But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed [it], "Why have you made me like this?"
I have noticed that when people just talk to one another they feel for each other. They begin to harmonize. But when people come at you on the basis of doctrine, they preach at you but more so pass judgement and issue condemnation.
You know what? You have mentioned this several times now, and it is only now that I understand what you mean. Wow. This is gripping in that I see the tremendous value in possessing this understanding (and how much more we need to simply Love one another and not allow doctrine to determine our friendships and relationships. I have never heard such a teaching, though I have been practicing it myself without knowing it.
Sir, this is precisely the kind of "talk" that I am looking for. No one needs to believe what I believe; that is not what I am about. What is most important, to me, is that the Love of Christ be made evident in my words, actions, and Life.
I cannot thank you enough for this gentle and kind response. I can assure you that it is most rewarding in my heart, and also hope that you find this interaction to be inspiring, and that we might continue in this Holy Path more and more. Will we be perfect? Of course not, but we can always improve, and considering the process of Holy Sanctification, improvement is something that each of us ought to expect of ourselves. Again, thank you so much. All respect to you.
