[mercuryrising]

Originally Posted by Maguru

Yes, I was taught I was imperfect too. I no longer believe that to be true because perfection is variable and depends on comparisons from a human perspective.

Perhaps you could define what you mean by perfection. How about, perfection is always making the right choices? Do you always make the right choices?

I'm sorry that is not my human nature. I am much more understanding towards my transgressors because I see them as human beings first. Why is always a good question.

Your instinct comes before your sense of reason. Your instinct is your human nature. BTW, I can hear an air of superiority in your response here. I was giving you an example of following instinct and not some personal confession.

And are you better than others because of your ability to reason? Maybe if we all were perfectly rational...

Is this what is in your heart? Don't you choose to be offended? If you chose not to be offended then forgiveness would not be required.

Perhaps we can choose to be offended. But then we come back to do we always make the right choice?

And I can think of some circumstances where offense would be universal. If someone killed your family, would you be offended? If they took everything you own, would you be offended? If they slandered you and destroyed your livelihood, would you be offended?

It's nice to sit in some ivory tower and say, "I am never offended." But the reality is that all people get offended some time. What I am saying is that when we have made a wrong choice, we are presented with another choice: which is either forgive or seek revenge.

Why is it so difficult not to judge?

When people look at their own imperfection, they feel inferior. So they judge others in order to feel superior. This goes back to attempting to live up to some impossible standard. My point is that the Biblical God is not expecting you to be perfect. That's why Christ showed up in the first place.