Re: [TruthTalk] Good News!

[Gregory A. Hession J.D.]

I am a lawyer, for better or for worse.  It is a constant matter of repentance for me to see how wicked my words are.  I believe that it is possible for a Christian to be a lawyer, and to keep his soul.   However, just as Jesus despaired of a rich man getting into the Kingdom, it ain't easy for a lawyer unless he repents and turns away from much of what is commonly done by most lawyers.   Gregory A. Hession J.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Springfield, Mass. ----- Original Message ----- From: ShieldsFamily To: TruthTalk@mail.innglory.org Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 3:17 PM Subject: RE: [TruthTalk] Good News! Greg, that sounded wonderful.  (Are you SURE you’re a lawyer??? J ) I think “living lives radiated by love and wisdom” also includes not taking offense easily against those who meant none.  Not losing our tempers when we aren’t always agreed with.  Not blaming others when we do. Izzy   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gregory A. Hession J.D. Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 9:44 AM To: TruthTalk@mail.innglory.org Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Good News!         One of the most consistently frustrating things about Christians is that we seem far more keen on making sure everyone around us is properly beat over the head with the truth, often with bile and anger, than in living out the life exemplified by Christ, with mercy and love.  Look at the beatitudes.  Truth is important, but it comes to people who have ears to hear.   Our job is less to demand that they see the truth, than to LIVE the truth.  The great saints down through history saw this as job one - becoming like Christ inside, so that their lives radiated his love and wisdom.        James was very clear that wisdom is linked to love and holiness:  "Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.. . . "       The entire book of Jamesis a rebuke to those who think KNOWING the truth is more important than DOING the truth.  And the second course of the meal is Phillipians, where radiating the love which only comes from devotion to Christ is preeminent, not how well we have become little truth Nazis.  Then, the third course is I John, where the topic is brought to a supreme and sublime offering unequaled in any book ever written, in my opinion.          When we stand in front of the dread judgment seat, the test is not how well we shoved every abstruse point of theology down the throats of the ignorant, but how we lived the great truths we already know, and taught the others with mercy and peace, so as to edify the listener, not stir up emnity.    Gregory A. Hession J.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Springfield, Mass.