God loves you, but...

[Sparkle Pony]

I read The Shack. I had mixed feelings about it. But I liked the God the Father character. Certainly a new perspective.

[exOBCstudent]

I was just discussing this subject on the "Fundy Hell" thread. I too struggled with this idea that God supposedly loves me but if I screw up and watch a rated "R" movie or think a cuss word that same god will get me where it hurts. I've since come to know God a little better and just how far His love really reaches into the deepest pits of humanity. The fundys know NOTHING of His love...only the law.

[Bigdog]

In terms of how God sees us as individuals, and WHY He would love us, I think of this analogy: My wife and I are almost complete opposites. Both of our childhoods were about the same, except that I, being from a military family, moved every couple of years, and experienced different types of IFB churches around the world; whereas, my wife grew up in Easrern PA, the oldest of 9, and she basically went to the same church most of the time. My parents were very loving, and encouraged us to follow our dreams (which were extinguished at HAC). Rules were followed at my house, but neither me or my siblings had a problem with those rules, because they were.enforced in love. My parents loved us unconditionally. Whereas, my wife's parents both believed that love.should be.earned, not given away for free. Her siblings, with the exception of one or two, have basically turned their backs on anything that has to do with God.
My wife tends to see God as she sees her parents-a hard taskmaster who demands blood, sweat, and tears before He would EVER think about showing her any love, much less respect. I also see God in the same manner that I saw my parents-a wise Father who loves me no matter what, and will correct me, or if need be, discipline me when I need it.
After coming to these conclusions, I have determined in my heart that I don't want my 4 girls and 1 son to see me as a hard taskmaster, but as a loving, wise father who will do whatever it takes for them to know that I love them. I want them to know the same God that I know, too.