if god were love and only love
well this is a problem with deification.
Once we see G_d as an all powerful guy on a cloud or other personification we attribute human qualities: how could G_d allow suffering etc 'prove it'...
For me is important to see things human in context: eg the Bible in the social context of when it was written and the contexts of translation and interpretation. And suffering just is. There is some cause and effect, like the global warming we talked about, or war, or human behaviour. But some things just are and the lesson is hidden behind the suffering. And also if people did not suffer we would have no opportunity to help them.
I see G_d as a Spirit, and the various interpretations of G_d as cultural and psychological.
But The Spirit is absolute, everywhere, I want to be tuning in to that balance of the Universe, that is pure love, and belonging exactly at the time and place we are meant to be.
Trusting in that means to accept our condition but try to transcend it through for example for me the teachings of Jesus: self-sacrifice, self-discipline, kindness, and losing qualities like anger, greed, destructiveness.
I can't fully explain the phenomenon ( ! ) and I am certainly no aspiring spiritual leader, but I feel confident your life is touched by G_d because of the way you live and the peace and harmony you bring here for example.
I am not the kind of Christian who believes Christ took care of my sins so I can go sin and repent and be forgiven; I don't see that as growth in personal or human terms. The Sermon on the Mount contains instructions for a good life; amazing to think of Jesus understanding psychology and how to communicate with many people on different levels.
But people are all at different places. Some people need the reassurance of an afterlife or greater purpose. I tend to think we create our lives here and now and what we put into the world around us.
Giving love is really important. We are taught to look for love and to wait for love and to seek love, but purest love is the serenity of giving love freely and watching the ripples in the pond flow back and forth with no expectation, but that the love is there or will soon be there. Trusting in G_d and our place in the Universe, and giving out love, that's how I see Spiritual balance; and following the teachings of Christ for me is practical instruction for how to live day to day.
I think everyone should feel confident to seek G_d and however they receive the Spirit is between them and G_d. No one can tell anyone else what is right, only what works for them and show others love.
I think my faith is stronger because I chose it and I've examined lots of belief systems. Another person might be firm in the convictions they were taught from childhood. I think it's all ok if it's really love and respectful. I think it takes courage to develop your own faith- not blind faith but eyes wide open faith.
Saying that- I feel more and more, G_d will provide; I am loved and taken care of. This is powerful for me, who was not loved or cared of as a helpless baby.
When I am really in balance in all aspects of my life the spiritual is at the top, and it's no effort to do what I need to do and especially no effort to be kind or patient or examine my conscience.
Time for bed- or I'll be out of synch tomorrow.
The concept of God truly would be beyond words for me.
it is hard to express, without sounding New Age or corny or just plain deranged ( smile )
On which note- to bed!
