Gold Nugget 373 - Considerate Persuasion

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      God’s love is persuasive morally, not mechanically.  He deals with us as a rational being, treating us neither as machines nor yet as “dumb driven cattle.”  The lower animal must sometimes be drawn, or forced with a degree of violence; but God does not draw men in this way.

      In drawing them he uses neither hard cords nor iron bands.  He draws us by rational means, addressing himself to our intelligence and appealing to our affections.  Thus Paul says, “I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.”  He draws us with gentleness, and not by force.  He employs the mildest means and the tenderest motives.  He draws us in a manner suitable to the dignity of our nature.

      Made in the image of God, originally created in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, and still possessed of great susceptibilities, strong affections, warm emotions, and tender sensibilities, we are treated by God with a considerate regard to the high qualities with which he has endowed us.  Accordingly he draws us with human cords and Divine love.  The instrumentality employed is human, and the love that employs it is Divine. 

 

The Pulpit Commentary, Hosea p. 337-338, Hosea 11:1-4, (J. J. Given)

 

Gold Nugget 373

Considerate Persuasion

 

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