Since the heart is only known by God, how can we be SURE?

[Felicity]

I really haven't seen a lot of "study" here and haven't read the whole thread but the discussion has been interesting.

I feel so much for people like HO and others who have had such bad experiences in regard to absence of dads and a dad's love. That can't help but affect a person's perception of God and relationship with men in general.

Perhaps one of the reasons I've never lived my life in "fear" of God (the negative kind of fear I'm talking about - not the healthy kind of respect and awe and holy "fear" that we're instructed to have) is because I had a father who was such a wonderful male role model. I never had to worry about not being able to trust him. He was always there and I admired and respected him so much.

It must leave a huge hole in a person's life to have missed that.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Felicity

I really haven't seen a lot of "study" here and haven't read the whole thread but the discussion has been interesting.

I feel so much for people like HO and others who have had such bad experiences in regard to absence of dads and a dad's love. That can't help but affect a person's perception of God and relationship with men in general.

Perhaps one of the reasons I've never lived my life in "fear" of God (the negative kind of fear I'm talking about - not the healthy kind of respect and awe and holy "fear" that we're instructed to have) is because I had a father who was such a wonderful male role model. I never had to worry about not being able to trust him. He was always there and I admired and respected him so much.

It must leave a huge hole in a person's life to have missed that.

Doesn't a thread like this cause you to go study yourself? I think we all realize there's not any study going on here - just opinions, yet it makes you go dig in the scriptures or dig in your heart to see what's there - - I'd call that study.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Doesn't a thread like this cause you to go study yourself? I think we all realize there's not any study going on here - just opinions, yet it makes you go dig in the scriptures or dig in your heart to see what's there - - I'd call that study.

Sure, but I haven't seen a lot of that exhibited here. I haven't had much time for study myself but I have a pretty basic knowledge of what Scripture has to say on the subject.

I did look up the word for bitterness ... "pikria" ..... and plan to may look at that a little further.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Felicity

Sure, but I haven't seen a lot of that exhibited here. I haven't had much time for study myself but I have a pretty basic knowledge of what Scripture has to say on the subject.

I did look up the word for "bitterness" and plan to study that a little further.

Well, there ya go.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Felicity

Sure, but I haven't seen a lot of that exhibited here. I haven't had much time for study myself but I have a pretty basic knowledge of what Scripture has to say on the subject.

I did look up the word for "bitterness" and plan to study that a little further.

Well, start over and read the scriptures that are listed. And add yours if you have any.

[Rico]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Well, start over and read the scriptures that are listed. And add yours if you have any.

That's what I was thinking! LOL

[Felicity]

What are the tell-tale signs of bitterness? That the "bitter root" is there?

What are the signs that there is none or that it's been destroyed?

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Felicity

What are the tell-tale signs of bitterness? That the "bitter root" is there?

What are the signs that there is none or that it's been destroyed?

I think each person knows. Some things take time and prayer. If you are praying God is going to show you your heart. If you are not sincere than you may not ever find out. That would be the tragedy.

You seem to be stuck on "bitterness". We need to also understand that "trust is also a factor when failure has occurred.

[rgcraig]

Rico,

That was a perfect example of how you can forgive when someone hasn't asked and then just move on. You aren't bitter and you aren't singing their praises either - just forgave him and moved on.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Rico,

That was a perfect example of how you can forgive when someone hasn't asked and then just move on. You aren't bitter and you aren't singing their praises either - just forgave him and moved on.

Right, and he won't let the guy come over when he isn't home. That is the "trust" factor after the forgiveness.