Have you noticed that some theological questions result in an endless debate, which goes on for centuries without resolution? Does this disturb you? It helps to understand that there is a transcendent quality to your faith. I will reconcile all things, and there will be an answer for every question, but the answer may be above the plane in which the questions seem irreconcilable. Those things that transcend your current level of understanding are mysteries. Be content to live with them for now. It is better to carry the questions unanswered than to force your way into the wrong answer and fight with those who come to an opposing low level answer. 

If you have a highly developed sense of spiritual discernment you will be able to see me in those you meet whether they are believers or not. What about the same principle going the other direction? How much spiritual discernment does it take for other people to see me in you? It does not reflect highly on you if a high level of discernment is required. I want my presence in you to be obvious to everyone. Moses came down from the mountain with my presence visible on his face. My instruction to you is to let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify me, because it is obvious that they are of and from me. 

Do you see my presence in the very young who are ‘fresh from heaven’ and in godly believers whose years of faithful obedience have changed their character into my image? All but the blindest observer should be able to see this. What about the rest of humanity? Can you see me in them? This requires some spiritual maturity and discernment, but they are made in my image just as much as believers are. You know this as a matter of doctrine. Do you also see it by observation? I want you to be able to see it plainly. What effect would this have on your behavior toward them?

Do you think it is possible to be addicted to pain and misery? Who would make such a choice? Yet have you seen people who seek out contentious situations and are always eager to join a dispute? If this were not common they would have difficulty finding others to argue with, but you can see for yourself how often this occurs, and the fight between them escalates out of proportion to the matter being contended. So I teach you to agree with your adversary quickly, and if someone would strike you, to turn the other cheek. Why would you not resist evil? It is better to suffer from it than to take it within you and be a party to it.