Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
Brennan ManningRead
Do you honestly believe God likes you, not just loves you because theologically God has to love you?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions the depth of God's affection for individuals beyond mere obligation, suggesting a desire for a personal connection.
Brennan Manning's quote challenges the reader to reflect on their relationship with God, distinguishing between a love that is obligatory and a love that is genuinely affectionate and personal. It implies that while theological doctrines may assert God's unconditional love for all, an individual's worthiness to be liked implies a deeper, more intimate connection that transcends mere theological mandate, encouraging a quest for personal validation and acceptance from the divine.
Themes
GodLoveFaithRelationshipAcceptance
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a sermon to encourage personal reflection on one's relationship with God.
More from Brennan Manning
All quotes βThe sinners to whom Jesus directed His messianic ministry were not those who skipped morning devotions or Sunday church. His ministry was to those whom society considered real sinners. They had done nothing to merit salvation. Yet they opened themselves to the gift that was offered them. On the other hand, the self-righteous placed their trust in the works of the Law and closed their hearts to the message of grace.
Brennan ManningRead
There is the "you" that people see and then there is the "rest of you". Take some time and craft a picture of the "rest of you." This could be a drawing, in words, even a song. Just remember that the chances are good it will be full of paradox and contradictions.
Brennan ManningRead
Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.
Brennan ManningRead
For Ragamuffins, God's name is Mercy. We see our darkness as a prized possession because it drives us into the heart of God. Without mercy our darkness would plunge us into despair - for some, self-destruction. Time alone with God reveals the unfathomable depths of the poverty of the spirit. We are so poor that even our poverty is not our own: It belongs to the mysterium tremendum of a loving God.
Brennan ManningRead
In my experience, self-hatred is the dominant malaise crippling Christians and stifling their growth in the Holy Spirit.
Brennan ManningRead
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