What God May Really Be Like – Misbeliefs About God

What Is Being Spiritual And Are You?

My refusal to define spirituality in “God” terms will upset some. I don’t know why it is easier for me to believe in an invisible God than others. I know it isn’t because of moral superiority because others who don’t spend as much time thinking about God treat others a hell of a lot better than I do at times. Maybe you believe in God but have heard God is gender bias or homophobic and use this as an excuse to not be as introspective about your spiritual life as much as your physical or emotional health. Keep in mind though views of God of the Bible are subject to interpretation and the writer is not available for further clarification. 

Jesus and most of the great religious leaders define spirituality as treating others like you want to be treated, which the world is in desperate need of. Reality also insists we must consider when we or others don’t act lovable. Change only happens sometimes when we take the first step or go the extra mile. Relationships thrive more when we have a focus to love others like we want to be loved and a plan for how we will handle disappointments.

It may surprise many of the Christian faith that when Jesus was asked how to obtain eternal life, He simply said to love God and love others as yourself (Lk.10:25-27). Jesus didn’t attach any other necessary requirements, and Jesus didn’t have in mind perfection or God is going to be mighty lonely. Jesus said love God because loving God is being empowered to love others to the fullest. Few object to the notion of treating others like you want to be treated, so we must have discussions without all the trappings of supposed sacred beliefs. It is suspect that a loving God insists all believe in the Christian God when the majority of people born have lived and died without any knowledge of the Bible or who Jesus was.

Being spiritual and being a law-abiding citizen aren’t the same. Laws can’t legislate matters of the heart to address the realities of our world. The Law can tell us amends are necessary when wronged, but the Law can’t tell you to forgive that which can never be returned such as one’s reputation. The Law can require we not speed excessively by a car, but the law can’t tell us what to do when one is stranded in their car. We need friends to sometimes not respond in like-manner because we are reacting to the pain we are in. Striving to be just good enough isn’t enough in a broken world.

I will put in a plug for God if you think it is possible God was here in the beginning and created. I have messed up in my relationships, but God has influenced me on the importance of confessing, taking responsibility and making amends as best I could. I am not quite sure how to explain but a relationship with God, who loves and forgives us, can inspire us to act the same toward others, to not give up being an encourager than discourager, to not give up doing good and shunning evil. Some may feel there is no way a God could love and forgive what you have done in your past. I believe God never gives up on people. 

You don’t think you are spiritual? Why the heck are you reading this! Develop your focus on striving to be more spiritual. Define it, strive for it, and know how to get back on track when discouraged. My view of God’s love for me does this for me. You may need to remove the problems that keep you from making spirituality more of a focus in your life. Spirituality is not whether you go to church or not, whether you believe what other people believe about God, it is loving others. Honestly, I don’t think there are any legitimate excuses for being self-centered. I am convinced becoming more spiritually focused is essential for a better world.

Do Some Old Testament Laws Prove God Is Inhumane?

It is fair to say that many of the Old Testament laws are simply not relevant to readers removed thousands of years from such cultures. Also, this was a unique time in history when God worked with one nation to reveal God to surrounding nations then and nations today through reading Scriptures. But, it may not be fair to accuse God of immoralities because of many of the laws recorded in the Bible. I understand not getting bogged down in reading such laws but there may be plausible explanations for certain laws that at first reading seem inhumane or immoral.

God doesn’t overthrow but works within societies to hopefully make lasting change in the hearts of their citizens. Loving control is an oxymoron. Is God supposed to abandon or continually wipe out cultures that fall into less than ideal relationships? God’s interference or dictatorship can prevent a superior world from developing as a result of the moral improvement of free creatures. Freedom is necessary for authentic, lasting change. Many scholars agree that the Mosaic laws were at least an upgrade from the laws of surrounding cultures and religions.

The Israelites had to actually be told to not sacrifice babies and don’t have sex with animals (Lev. 18: 21, 23). These were times when gods were made out of metal (Lev. 19:4) and children sacrificed to supposed gods. God advised the only Law really needed by loving others as we want to be loved (Lev. 19:18), but parameters are always necessary in an imperfect world. It is more complicated working with a nation than a parent working with a child or two. God always hopes for change within so laws aren’t even necessary.

There was more protection of slaves in the OT compared to other near Eastern laws. Exodus 21:20-27 states the death penalty if a master harms a servant that they die. But, if they recover in a day or two, why is there no punishment (v.21)? It is possible the injury was not severe and may assume the loss of money via the servant’s labor was some punishment. The passage goes on to say but if a master knocks out a tooth, the slave is allowed to go free (v.27). Why didn’t God simply outlaw masters touching their servants? The Israelites perhaps were as close-minded to not disciplining servants physically as some are to not spanking children. A law stating a parent must never touch their child may accomplish nothing to protect children. The discipline of servants was tolerated but regulated for disallowing does nothing.

Why didn’t God simply abolish servanthood? The Bible accepts that servanthood is a reality in a world of poverty and gave regulations for treatment by masters. To completely abolish servanthood during these times would leave many without care and food. Laws were set up when people treated servants as objects. God must tolerate certain behaviors if freedom is allowed. God knows people hide, not change their actions, without a change of heart. Servants were considered equal and not to be denied justice when they had a grievance (Job 31:13-15).

God hates divorce as much as we do for the sake of children, but God instructions for divorce is an example of God entering a world of freedom and seeking to protect victims. God not outlawing divorce didn’t mean God approved of all divorces (Deut. 24:1-4), but simply outlawing divorce and not addressing the reality of divorce doesn’t protect victims. God knows power corrupts but God allowed Israel to choose Kings. We only accept the truth sometimes after suffering consequences of our choices.

Deuteronomy 21:18-21 lists stoning for rebellious teenagers. But, it seems there was always a substitution that could be offered for any crime except murder (Num. 35:31). The intent may have been to stress the importance of family and obedience in a world described above. Elisha cursed young people calling him bald by causing mauling by bears (2 Kgs. 2:23-24). Was there more to the story know but not recorded for future readers? Was this a gang of rebellious youth intending to do more harm and rebelling against any morality associated with Elisha’s God?

It can be bizarre to us when we read in the OT about all the strict laws related to the tabernacle and priestly duties. These were unique times. God sought to differentiate Israel’s God from other nations’ gods, even to the point of exaggeration. People were never told they couldn’t leave to join another nation and the ways of their gods. God must be distinguished in the beginning for the rest of history. God was dealing with people influenced by others whose gods of creation were represented by metal images or animals. God was revealed and by NT times, people understood how the God of Israel was different from all other nations and gods.

I had always wondered why the uncleanness and seclusion doubled for a female child (Lev. 12:5). Is this just more of God’s supposed plan to suggest men have more of a favored position than women in God’s mind? A plausible explanation is that maybe girls were typically smaller at birth with a higher mortality rate and the extended period allowed a baby girl to become more stable. Maybe fathers favored sons over daughters and a longer time at home encouraged more attention from the husbands. But, there was no difference in the temple ritual between the birth of a boy or girl (v.6).

It is difficult to relate to many of the OT laws. I don’t wish to suggest that none of the laws are mystifying as to why God participated in the making of such laws. Not all OT laws are easily explainable. Perhaps if we could get in the skins of those who lived back then it would be more understandable. But, maybe God is not as inhumane or immoral as God is often made out to be when some of the laws are quoted in isolation. We don’t have to ignore the OT or assume writers were lying when acknowledging God’s participation, but we might read the OT with a better understanding that God works with people rather than abandoning or that God doesn’t simply overrule people because of God’s uncontrolling love.

Are The Ten Commandments Written In Stone Such As Honoring Parents?

The Bible is a story about God. It is not a rule book to quote a chapter and verse. Besides, writings thousands of years ago in different cultures than ours are subject to different interpretations. Jesus would never advise a woman to turn the other cheek for an abusive husband. Develop a relationship with God and God will guide in your circumstances. Jesus didn’t promise to leave us with a Bible but His Spirit so we might be able to discern evil from good (Jn. 14:16).

The Ten Commandments were initiated as a guide for the nation of Israel. Moses received the Commandments from God in stone 🙂 written by the finger of God (Ex. 31:18). Let’s just say the guidance probably describes the heart of God well in terms of how God would advise a nation to live peacefully together. Can you imagine a family or nations using the Commandments as a guide in their relationships? I could handle being in those relationships.

God didn’t write the Ten Commandments so you can know when God loves you or not. A parent doesn’t require obedience before they love their child. God and parents love their child at birth. A parent knows fully well a list of do’s and don’ts is not the pathway to a friendship. Laws are really only necessary for lawbreakers who aren’t treating others like they want to be treated. Rules are a foundation to hopefully lead to the intimacy so badly desired.

The Ten Commandments were never meant to be all encompassing. If you want to have a great marriage where your partner always feels fully confident in your love for them, don’t commit adultery which is the seventh commandment. But, that is only the beginning of a great partnership. Lusting isn’t as horrible of a betrayal as adultery but it doesn’t honor your partner or others. The Ten Commandments are a starting point on a journey with God in how to love your wife like you want to be loved. We all fail. We simply keep our eyes on God to hopefully obtain a type of intimacy hard to put in words.

I wrote this Post mainly for parents and young adults. Some parents love to remind their child of the fifth commandment. Some parents pull out their Bible when their child isn’t doing what they are asking their child to do. You aren’t honoring me! It is a good idea for rebellious, law breaking teenagers to listen to a parent’s words. It can lead to a life of less regrets. But, I have a hunch God wasn’t talking about differences among parents and children when it comes to career decisions or who to marry. God wouldn’t expect children to obey parents who encourage immorality. Some things should be understood without saying them.

When I was growing up in the church, I often heard honoring meant doing what your parents wanted in terms of what school you might attend, what career path you might choose, who you should date or marry, etc. Some parents love to suggest any decisions that are contrary to their wisdom are immoral. A young person shouldn’t always listen to their parents. A parent might insist on a certain career path that makes a parent look good but is a poor use of the talents of a person. If a child’s heart is not into the path they choose, they may never fulfilled their God-given talents to best help make this a world a better place to live in.

Many parents who throw the Book at their child desire their child be spiritually-minded. But parents, if you believe in a Creator of the universe who guides shouldn’t you put your trust in God to direct young adults? Stop making your kids feel guilty by suggesting they are not honoring God. That is no way to have a lasting relationship. We can encourage our children to consider a relationship with God by the example we set. Read the Bible not as a rule book but as a story about what God is really like and ask God for wisdom in your circumstances.

So What If The Bible Has Errors!

Many are familiar with the arguments that suggest not only did God inspire the writers of the Bible but that God oversaw that the original written words were without error. Textual criticism tells us what over 99 percent of the original words of the Bible were, but differences don’t change any doctrines. But, God’s respect for freedom could allow a writer’s misinformed scientific or moral view to creep into the Bible. Is it worth the damage done to insist the Bible doesn’t have errors, when Jesus ultimately aspired to unite rather than divide people?

Jesus cared more what changes loving your neighbor lead to than religious folks adhering to certain beliefs to honor God. Eat meat or don’t eat meat to visibly dissociate from false gods or idols (I Cor. 8). Individuals and congregations draw lines in the sand when it comes to how we view the Bible. Such divisiveness isn’t exactly inspirational to others. Giving the Bible almost supernatural qualities can lead to worshipping a Book and not who the Book is about. The Bible was never to replace one’s relationship with God for comfort and guidance. Turning the other cheek isn’t always appropriate. Jesus when leaving this earth didn’t promise to leave us with a Bible but His Spirit so we might be able to discern evil from good (Jn. 14:16).

One must admit to assume the Bible is without error requires some faith anyway since not provable. One must believe that God inspired certain authors to write without any possibilities of hearing God incorrectly, and then God inspired others to know over time which Books should only be recognized as Scriptures. One doesn’t need to be a liberal to believe biblical writers might have misunderstood God’s desires and misidentified God’s actions. God obviously is a respecter of freedom or heroes of the Bible wouldn’t be allowed to murder, commit adultery, etc.

On the other hand we don’t question the reliability of Julius Caesar’s exploits in the Gallic Wars though the manuscript reliability of all ancient literature is far less than the New Testament. Admittedly, we don’t look to all writings for spiritual inspiration. “Thus says the Lord” was used thousands of time by the prophets in the OT. This was similar to writing “Thus says King…” which was expected to be obeyed and not questioned. Death was a consequence for falsely claiming to speak for God (Deut. 18:20-22). And the Bible gains credibility by throwing its own under the bus when appropriate or not rewriting facts to make a story more believable. Women had very little credibility during this time, so if you are going to make up a resurrection story you don’t report a woman being the first eyewitness unless Mary was.

Devoted archeologists don’t purposely misrepresent their findings when suggesting archaeology proves the accuracy of the Bible or to the contrary. It is true if we say the Bible has errors, we are left to discern which writings are inspired by God. But, we have to use judgment regardless since interpretations are fallible. We can’t be positive the Apostle Paul taught that marriage relationships were to be egalitarian or hierarchical in nature. God never intended a Book to replace our relationship with God. We have an internal moral compass to discern good from evil.

I must admit that the Bible at first reading may seem to justify genocide, misogyny, slavery, or other atrocities. There are plausible interpretations often which don’t portray God in such a negative light. But, problems with the Bible could be mostly solve if we would only consider one another’s opinion gracefully, so to work out our own convictions. If the Bible does have errors, this doesn’t lead to all views of God being equal or valid. Our hearts tells us a loving God would never advocate the violation of the rights of others. I believe we are better off with the Bible, but we don’t have to insist the Bible is without errors. The main message is crystal clear. Read the Bible with an open mind and enjoy having a relationship with your Creator.

Is The Cross About God’s Or Our Conscience?

The Cross is the central focus of what the Bible wants us to know about who God really is. The legal as opposed to the relational explanation of the Cross can leave people confused and hardly wanting to know or draw closer to their Creator. The traditional legal theory suggests Jesus’ blood appeased God’s sense of justice and protected God’s holiness. Jesus was estranged from God by sin. God required sacrifice or punishment to remain sinless and to outwardly display anger and disgust with sin. Do you hear crickets? Did Jesus really die mainly to serve God?

The relational explanation of the Cross suggests Jesus died in hopes we would accept God’s love for us. The best analogy I have heard is when soldiers die for one another because they believe that the cause for freedom is worth it. Jesus, the miracle worker, could have avoided His crucifixion. Jesus could have simply denied being the Messiah to save His skin. Jesus could have simply wiped out the naysayers. Jesus was willing to die for a message He felt lead to true freedom – following God’s than the world’s guidance. Overrunning choices doesn’t lead to genuine relationships rather than when one is willing to die in hopes to persuade others.

By now those who believe the Bible defends the legal explanation are asking for chapter and verse. The Bible was not meant to be a book where you pull sentences out of a story written about God to prove your point. Women, don’t turn your cheek when being abuse by a man! But, indulge me. Mark 10:45 is frequently quoted to defend the legal explanation: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” But, the passage doesn’t explicitly say the ransom was for God’s appeasement (i.e. I Tim. 2:6). The ransom can easily be understood for our encouragement to avoid personal and relational destructive paths. The passage doesn’t say Jesus came to serve God but to serve us in hopes we might choose forgiveness, going the extra mile, etc. to best lead to healings in relationships.

Let’s suppose Mark teaches Jesus died mainly for legal reasons in behalf of God, though it’s hard to believe God couldn’t love us before Jesus was killed. Hebrews 9:14 says: “…Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our conscience from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.” Which is it? Was Jesus’ death for the purpose of serving our guilty conscience or God’s? Which explanation is more relatable?

I don’t always feel like God hates my guts though others may think I should feel that way. I haven’t at least killed anyone. Well, some may be convinced God could never love them based on what they have done. But, I can relate to often failing at loving my wife the way I wished to be loved. I don’t beat her but I rather not count the time I have failed her. Do you every think God needs a break from you at least for a day or do you think God can’t possibly forgive you for the 10^th or 100^th time? Guess again! God’s love and mercy, not gloomy uncertainty of God’s favor, is our necessary nourishment for breaking free from habitual habits or bad behaviors. 

Jesus died so we are can feel loved by God no matter what! Actions have consequences but God doesn’t pour on the hate. Have I convinced you that explanations of the Cross are debatable? Choose the interpretation or explanation that makes God the most relatable for you. Let others decide rather than suggesting if they don’t believe the legal interpretation, they are disrespecting the holiness of God because God can’t stand the sight of us without killing His Son. Jesus died for our conscience not God’s. Hebrews goes on to say Jesus death’s has done away with sin (9:26-27). We can feel fully loved by God so sin can never overpower us. Jesus died to convince us what God is really like, not what we may think God is like.

Is God A Homophobe?

I haven’t written on this topic because I believe one’s sexual orientation is personal and their own business. But, I feel compelled to address this subject because many parents and friends feel obligated to not accept their loved ones for concerns of being disloyal to God. The Bible is a complex book. It was not meant to be a book to turn to a chapter and verse, which were only added centuries later, but a story about God and determining what God is like. Even if a writer was inspired by God, interpretations and applications can be fallible centuries later.

Jesus when leaving this earth advised He was leaving His Spirit with us to guide us in our walk with God (Jn.14:16). Do we have enough faith in God to allow a homosexual who wishes to know what God thinks about their relationship to begin a relationship and God will guide. The following is how I have determined God speaks to me. We need to stop telling people what God thinks about them and let God speak to them. If God doesn’t give others the answer you want, are you going to accept them? Before discussing what the Bible may say on homosexuality, I want to mention issues that I will not be addressing.

I am not capable of discussing if one’s sexual orientation is chosen, born into, or something that develops. The matter is so complex that I think that is for each individual to discern. One theory does not fit all individual situations. One may argue it doesn’t seem natural because the world could not have populated in the beginning. We are no longer in that situation and the world will continue to populate because not all couples are gay. We have unwanted children who need loving couples. Is adoption by a same sex or different sex couple not a better situation that groups homes or orphanages? Loving couples are committed to not making a child gay or straight. Lastly, some homosexuals deny it is impossible to change to being straight. If an individual has such desires, we must respect one’s freedom in such endeavors.

Though the Bible is not a book we can simply turn to for answers in our individual situation, the Bible is still very important to many. It claims to be inspired by God. Some of the biblical passages that speak against homosexuality are in the context of gang rape (Sodom and Gomorrah in Gen 19; Judges 19:22). Who doesn’t condemn that! Other passages are not as specific as to the type of sexual activities involved (Rom 1:26-32, I Cor. 6:9, I Tim. 1:10). There certainly wasn’t a lot of fidelity going on (i.e. Rom 1:27, 31), and who doesn’t know about the Corinthians’ standards in the ancient world. They even approved of sex with one’s mother or step-mother (I Cor. 5). Can you say addiction city! Do we really want to compare consensual, monogamous sex to killing of parents, murder, and slave trading (I Tim. 1:10).

Two verses in the Bible are not as clear about the type of sexual relationships involved when involving the same sex: “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them are done what is detestable…”(Lev. 20:13; i.e. Lev. 18:22). Having sex with a woman during her period is also condemned in the same breathe (Lev. 20:18). Whoops! The Bible does seem to suggest that committed, life-long, mutual-consenting, monogamous sexual relationships are always in our best interest. It can wreak havoc on one’s soul when sexual activity has been involved and the relationship doesn’t last. If your hearts tells you your loved one isn’t condemned by God, you can follow your heart and not deny God of the Bible.

We must stop comparing committed, monogamous homosexual relationships to anything else. It doesn’t compare to premarital sex or pedophilia or bestiality as it has been compared to. Those obviously aren’t mutual, consensual, committed relationships. If you insist the Bible clearly condemns homosexuality, then do you accept it condemns polygamy? It seems God did not think polygamy was ideal or part of God’s original creation, but clearly God seemed to accept such relationships calling King David a man after His own heart. Most can agree stealing, being greedy, slandering, gossiping, lying, or murder is wrong. If Corinthians condemns monogamous homosexual relationships it condemns all the above sins to the same degree. Many in the church condemn gay relationships but get divorced over half the time. Commitment is a problem in the church. How can we even begin to suggest to gay couples who are committed that they are sinners.

The Bible doesn’t seem to speak specifically about monogamous, long-term gay relationships. If one wishes to know personally what God thinks about their personal situation, it seems the first step is to get to know God and seek God’s discernment on such issues. Some pastors avoid the subject not because they are cowards but because they want people to experience God’s love and not condemnation as they seek God’s wisdom on a personal level. I understand serious Bible students can come to two different conclusions. If the matter is debatable at all in our mind, I would suggest taking the less judgmental stance in relationships. Jesus never spoke about homosexuality and said when gone He would leave His Spirit to guide our hearts.

Is God A Child Killer In The Story Of Abraham And Isaac?

One may read Genesis 22, where God orders Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, and question whether to respect God or trust any of the Old Testament guidance. Who doesn’t know in their heart no loving God would order such an act. There may be plausible interpretations of this passage to suggest that the writers accurately recorded God testing Abraham in this manner but in fact would never approved of child sacrifice like the others gods during these times.

• Scholars consider the first five books of the OT as a literary unit. The writers surely knew it had been written that God condemned child sacrifice (Lev. 18:21, Lev. 20:2-5, Deut. 12:31, 18:10). If the story were true the temptation would have been to not include this version of the story to protect God’s reputation. The writers weren’t mindless but may have understood the purpose and moral of the story was that God did not approve of this kind of sacrifice.
• The story begins that God was testing Abraham (22:1). The rest of the story suggests Abraham either expected that they would not have to carry out this act at the last minute or that Abraham had faith that God could bring Isaac back from the dead (i.e. Heb. 11:17-19), unlike the other gods who required child sacrifice. Abraham told the servants he and Isaac would be back (5). Abraham fully expected God to provide a lamb instead for the altar and did so (8, 13). The story ended by the angel stopping Abraham before harming Isaac (11-12).
• Why did God test Abraham with such a revolting temptation? Other gods demanded child sacrifices to quench their thirst for power. God may have used this extreme example to differentiate Himself. These were unique historical times. God was using Israel as a means to usher in the Messiah as a blessing to all nations. This event took place on Mount Moriah where the temple was to be built (2 Chron. 3:1), culminating in the arrival of the Messiah.
• Abraham’s extraordinary faith in God was critical. This is the only time in history God would use a man and a nation to influence all nations of the world. A one-time test may be appropriate in such circumstances. Isaac’s sacrifice being carried out wasn’t mandatory as Abraham’s lack of obedience would have been a valuable lesson. Maybe Abraham wished to prove his God didn’t demand infant sacrifices and certainly not for self-gratification. Many translators advise “Now, take your son” (Gen. 22:2) in the Hebrew language suggests God is making more of a plea than demand. Freedom is at the very core of God’s character.
• Isaac was not a child and most likely was an adult. The term boy or lad used for Isaac could refer to one of military age (I Chron. 12: 28). Kaiser suggests the term could mean that Isaac was easily in his twenties and possibly thirties (Hard Sayings Of The OT, p. 123). Isaac had a choice in this matter unlike the babies sacrificed by other cultures to their supposed gods.
• No one can justify that God is commanding them to kill their child. God clearly spoke to Abraham as was God’s practice in the beginning of history with the Israelites. Abraham had experience in recognizing God’s voice. This wasn’t a hunch. Besides, it cannot be proven beyond a shadow of doubt that God indeed would have required the sacrifice.

Is it fair to say that this event between Abraham and God did not mirror other ancient sacrifices to gods as they would not have stopped the sacrifice for their own pleasures? Since Abraham knew his older son would either not die or come back from the dead right away, does this make God’s request not the wrong we may have felt initially? The editors weren’t necessarily letting their story-telling devices creep into the story. There are reasonable explanations that God was not approving of child sacrifice in this extreme test for Abraham and Isaac.

Can Words Such As “By The Grace Of God” Be Offensive?

Current dangers in the world suggest we are in desperate need of more spirituality. I define spirituality as loving your neighbor as you wished to be love. My definition may offend many followers of Jesus who think of spirituality in terms of what and if we believe in God. But, would Jesus defend one who believed in Him but misrepresented His teachings or someone who didn’t believe in God but lived out more His message.

Many people may turn away from God or discussions about spirituality because of how God is characterized by our actions and words. Let’s don’t provoke others into un-spirituality by our words which may suggest to them God plays favorites or is thoughtless. I don’t wish to offend those who have said things that may misrepresent God because I have said them. I just am hoping to un-offend those open to spirituality. It isn’t enough to be spiritual yourself. We must inspire other appropriately. God followers must be able to defend if their God is worth following.

When we say “by the grace of God” when spared from a terrorist attack killing many, we are implying God didn’t give a dam about others. Was God good to you because you are a better person! If God interfered you going to work that morning on 911, than God failed to intervene with others who died. If by the “grace of God” God allowed you or a family member to miraculously recover, God failed to save others from illness. Did God really give us the parking space when others needed the space more? Did God give us the job when others praying for the same job were more financially desperate? Did God really give victory in the game while intended others to lose?

Why kind of God is God? The truth is many prayers are not answered for safety or cures. God isn’t as arbitrary as our words suggest; God doesn’t love those spared more than those not spared. Those who claim divine intervention are not wishing to offend others but it can. God followers – are you as close to God if not cured or are your prayers more about manipulation for gain than requests for support whatever happens? God doesn’t cause terrorist attacks or car accidents. Terrorists and drunk drivers end life and not God. Our words must convey this truth.

Many are simply seeking to honor God when spared, but our words impact others. The truth is God placed a higher priority on freedom than control. A loving God, unlike humans, will not allow their love to be controlling. Even humans know “controlling love” is an oxymoron and not love at all. What can we say to be less offensive? We might say in times of appreciation to God: “I am grateful God was by my side in this tragedy that God did not desire. I was fortunate to recover but I knew I would be made whole someday regardless.” This may more accurately describe who God really is – God never wished suffering or death in the first place on anyone.

Why Might It Be A Good Idea To Conceal Our Good Deeds?

I was moving a suitcase out of the house and a neighbor asked me if I was going on a trip. Because I have been hanging with Jesus for a while and had a few things rub off on me, I knew not to say that actually it was stuff I had been keeping for a homeless person until they found a place to stay. If you will indulge me, I had to tell you that so I could write this to make a point – God has our backs. It is often best that we conceal our good deeds (Mt. 6:1-4).  

I wasn’t tempted to tell my neighbor whose stuff I was keeping other than a friend. God advises “lay low” for our good. I was helping a homeless person but how hard has it been to store stuff in my heated house while they live under a bridge. Sometimes, it is wise to provide shelter because it empowers and sometimes it isn’t because it enables. It is complicated. It is really embarrassing to be honest with how few I have helped with all I have been blessed with. God is just trying to spare me of puffing myself up more than I really am to avoid embarrassment.  

Pride for whatever reason can lead to some pretty crazy behaviors. Pharisees loved to brag about what great God-worshippers they were. They loved to brag how spiritual they were but they were the ones that killed Jesus. Whoops! What in God’s name did Jesus do all that wrong to be killed. People today claim to be someone they aren’t and we don’t crucify them. People who brag about rather than be discovered for helping others are the only one who can’t see how sickening it is. 

I don’t think we have to go totally underground with our good deeds. It feels good and inspires others to action when one acknowledges us or even mentions our generosity in front of others. But, it is just different coming from others. I think that is why God wants us to know how much God loves us. Sometimes, others will not acknowledge us but its going to be alright when we feel a high-five from the Creator of the Universe.  

Jesus always advised us with our best interest in mind. When our motives for good deeds are to be known it just gets all screwed up. We start being more concerned how we look and end up helping others less. It is great we help people but isn’t it usually the case we can do so much more unless you are Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa never bragged for some reason. God understands human nature and advises us to inspire to do good deeds without the acknowledgment of others.

What Does The Most Popular Verse In Bible Really Mean?

A relationship with God is negatively impacted by certain beliefs about God assumed to be true. The Bible is a story to learn about God. Writers never intend a reader to parse a sentence without being mindful of the context and whole story. Chapters and verses were not a part of the biblical writings until after the 12^th century. We are better off not reading the Bible if we assume interpretations are infallible and we can be positive of the writer’s thoughts 2000 years later. If an interpretation doesn’t make sense of a loving God, it is probably wrong.

John 3:16 says: “For God so love the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse has been used to defend that the reason for the Cross was to satisfy the wrath of God. One could also argue that the reason for the Cross was to convey God’s love and desire to win us over because in the same breathe the writer says: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (Jn. 3:17). God‘s love is surely motivated to serve not be served.

John couldn’t mean by perish burning in a lake of fire. Jesus didn’t come to save us from burning forever after death for not believing in God. The traditional understanding of the word Hell is a myth. Jesus simply said life can lead down a path of destruction without God’s guidance. A loving God wouldn’t torture people forever for sins while on earth a few short years. The Greek translation of the word perish is “lost.” Jesus warned ignoring His message lead to a soul gone astray. Don’t love your neighbor like you want to be loved, don’t forgive you partner, seek to rule than serve, and in old age as you reflect back on your legacy expect overwhelming regrets.

John’s readers did not think of eternal life as we do today in terms of living in Heaven and avoiding Hell. John used life and eternal life interchangeably (i.e. 5:39 with 5:40, 6:53 with 6:54). John believed that eternal life began not in the future but here on earth when seeking good and shunning evil (Jn. 3:20). John 3:15 refers to eternal life as being in Christ, thus referring to a quality of live than future destiny. When Jesus was asked directly how to have eternal life He simply said to love God and love others as yourself (Lk.10:25-27). A self-centered life leads to a death without hope, whereas following God leads to a fulfilling life.

Taking a verse of the Bible and running with it can lead to false characterizations of God. Keep in mind John’s readers didn’t have the New Testament writings that we have today. People who lived during Jesus’ life had Jesus. Jesus when He left this world didn’t promise to leave an eventual Bible but His spirit (Jn. 14:17). Don’t go to the Bible looking for a set of rules to live by. Each situation is different. God desires a personal relationship with each and every one and will guide and inspire. A loving God can’t possibly encourage one to blow up people for simply having different personal beliefs. God allowed His Son to be crucified though innocent of charges to convince us of God’s unimaginable love and to inspire us to live a life worth living.