God never threatens; the devil never warns as the saying goes. We sometmes
use the words 'threat' and 'warning' interchangeably, but there is a principle
that suggests a distiction. Threats are used to get people to do what is in our
best interest; warnings are issued to get people to do what is in their best
interest. In other words, threats seek to preserve power, whereas warnings
serve to protect peole from danger.
Satan wants us to thing of God's loving warnings as mean-spiritied threats,
but he is wrong. A warning is a great arresting statement of God's, inspired by
His love and patience. The evidence of this is found in the many commands that
are coupled with phases like 'that it may go well with you' (Deut. 4:40; 12:28).
In loving relationships, people warn one another of the inevitable
consequences of foolish behavior. In unhealty relationship relationships,
people threaten one another with punishment if they fail to live up to
unreasonable demands.
'The devil is clever, deceiving us all,
He cunningly causes the strongest to fall;
But we his sly methods are sure to discern
By making God's warnings our daily concern' - DJD
(Paraphased from ODB)
"Warnings are an expression of love; threats are an expression of control."
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■ Synchronet ■ Origin: The Hard Drive Cafe - Montgomery Al USA - www.hdcbbs.net
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