When you disagree strongly with someone, are you tempted to say that they are crazy? Isn’t this one of the most common insults you hear? It very rarely applies in context, but what could cut to the core of identity more quickly in a culture that prides itself on rational intellect? The premise of the insult is that no reasonable person with access to the same facts could come to a different conclusion, but they are as entitled to draw their own conclusions as you are. I gave you strong admonition not to call your brother a vain fellow or a fool.

Do you think of me as wild or tame? If you go to church you may think of me as tame and fully domesticated if every question about my nature has a definite answer and it seems that I am confined within their structure. But those who encounter me in the wilderness have a different experience. The manner of perception is according to the one doing the perceiving. This is not to discourage you from going to church but don’t let it give you the wrong impression. You should gather together with others in pursuit of the transcendent ineffable mystery and be prepared to find that I am wild.

Have you sinned a great deal, or very little? If it is the latter, are you proud of having been forgiven little? Yet he who has been forgiven little loves little. On the other hand, Paul has no patience with those who sin that grace may abound. Do you find this confusing or contradictory? Paul considered himself to be the chief of sinners. Would he be your first choice for this title from all you would consider? This all makes sense if your consider it from the perspective of humility rather than self-righteousness. Judge yourself and do not judge others.

Some soldiers perform feats of such valor in combat that they receive decorations. These are considered great honors and presented in ceremonies with great acclaim. What do you think was going through the minds of those when they did the feats that earned such honors? It wasn’t the recognition to follow. In the moment they probably thought they were having the worst day of their lives. You may have never received such recognition or even served in the military but the same principle still applies.