That sounds an awful lot like Paul in Romans: "Sin won't rule over you, because you're not under law but under grace"!
Grace (as I see it) is the "givingness" of love, which happens in relationship. It enables the righteousness that I have called "Love in living color."
By contrast, a black-and-white rule keeping is often fear-based and self-centered, and doesn't lead to peace and joy in the Lord.
I choose grace and the righteousness He empowers through love!
Steve Hassan, PhD, has a podcast called "the Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan, which I listen to on a regular basis. Dr. Hassan's BITE model help reveal the cult-like mind control of not only the church I attended, but how and why my friends and family members are so easily manipulated by charismatic political leaders, such as Trump. Sometimes we need a blue-print in our lives, such as the BITE model, to help us navigate through the quagmire that threatens to suffocate the life out of us. Thanks Cherilyn for sharing how the BITE model gave you solid ground to stand upon.
Such a powerful and yet simple summary of your experience. Your statement has just made me aware that I need to write about my questions and the impact of my church upbringing -- it wasn't Adventist, but had such a similar high control teaching. Thank you God, and thank you Barbie for my friend Cheri.
"...made not for rules, but for relationship."
That sounds an awful lot like Paul in Romans: "Sin won't rule over you, because you're not under law but under grace"!
Grace (as I see it) is the "givingness" of love, which happens in relationship. It enables the righteousness that I have called "Love in living color."
By contrast, a black-and-white rule keeping is often fear-based and self-centered, and doesn't lead to peace and joy in the Lord.
I choose grace and the righteousness He empowers through love!
Every time I read your thoughts I am awakened yet again! You are a masterful wordsmith. Thank you.
Steve Hassan, PhD, has a podcast called "the Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan, which I listen to on a regular basis. Dr. Hassan's BITE model help reveal the cult-like mind control of not only the church I attended, but how and why my friends and family members are so easily manipulated by charismatic political leaders, such as Trump. Sometimes we need a blue-print in our lives, such as the BITE model, to help us navigate through the quagmire that threatens to suffocate the life out of us. Thanks Cherilyn for sharing how the BITE model gave you solid ground to stand upon.
I like that: “we were made for relationship.”
That is so very comforting.
Such a powerful and yet simple summary of your experience. Your statement has just made me aware that I need to write about my questions and the impact of my church upbringing -- it wasn't Adventist, but had such a similar high control teaching. Thank you God, and thank you Barbie for my friend Cheri.
Thank you, Cherilyn for sharing this! Very helpful thoughts.