Tenderness

Posted September 25 by Jeff Terrell

I work with patients all the time who’s greatest longing is to be in a relationship where they are valued and nurtured. Perceived expectations from childhood experiences have convinced them that unless they are perfectly organized, or superior in everything, or look beautiful, that they are not acceptable.

In our religion we find ourselves unconsciously mirroring these demands onto God. Our vice president, Gary Moon, is fond of saying that we’ve got the wrong head on God’s shoulders. I think he’s right. We hear messages from pulpits across America talking about God’s judgment. His demands. His righteousness. We see images of protesters saying “God hates fags” or “Burn in Hell.”

However, we so seldom get a sense of the real message of Jesus. We’ve lost awareness of His tenderness. Remember, God didn’t just send us a prophet when he wanted to communicate his love. He came himself.

God came.

I believe that is the most breathtaking reality in the universe. We miss the purposes of God when we focus on anger and obedience. Not that God isn’t righteous, or that he doesn’t have expectations for us.

It’s just that those expectations aren’t for God. They’re for us. He just doesn’t want his kids to be hurt. With Adam and Eve, we’ve been given the entire earth to tend and enjoy. And when we got in trouble, God came himself with incredible tenderness. I’d like to get to know that God a little better.

About the author, Jeff Terrell

Jeff Terrell is President and Professor of Counseling Psychology. He is a licensed psychologist and a board certified licensed professional counselor. His Ph.D. and M.S. in Counseling Psychology are from the University of Southern Mississippi. In addition, he holds the M.Div. in Biblical Languages from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and the B.A. from Samford University. His professional interest include: personality disorders, adult psychodynamic counseling and theory, and marital therapy. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including APA, Divs 2 and 36 of the APA, GPA, and CAPS.