Do you like it when others are on your side? Who doesn’t like support? Is it possible for someone else to be more on your side than you are for yourself? How could this be? Yet it is true of me. Have you ever seen other people engage in self-destructive behavior? As much as this may astound you, have you ever engaged in self-destructive behavior yourself? How can you account for working against your own best interests? This is something I will never do on your behalf. For I have poured out my love and favor and blessing on you. I am on your side, more than you are for yourself.

Have you ever had a broken heart? Is there anything more painful? Most people experience this at some time if they are functioning normally in a world where other people do not respond to your expressions of friendship. You can defend yourself against this pain, but the cure in this case is worse than the disease, and you will be changed in ways that diminish your humanity. So how do you deal with the pain of rejection? Have you noticed that a broken heart is similar to a broken spirit and a contrite heart? You could think of these as the same thing. Give them to me.

Have you ever contended for the faith? Have you ever entered a dialogue with an atheist or skeptic concerning your faith? Have you noticed that whoever is asking the questions controls the terms of the debate, and the other party is in reactive mode? Have you ever encountered difficult questions you couldn’t answer? Whoever is in the driver’s seat determines the destination. I put some effort into arranging this opportunity and you should not lightly refuse it. Some people are hostile but others who ask hard questions are real seekers.

Do you exercise? It is beneficial for your body, but you can exercise in such a way that accomplishes nothing else, or you can work. Do you understand the importance of keeping your mind active and engaged? You can accomplish this by working word or number puzzles. Can you complete the implied logic above? Can you exercise your mind in such a way that it produces a beneficial result other than just being engaged? Try seeking out thoughtful and reflective people who differ with you on important issues. Invite them to present their arguments, and do the same for them.