All of our heroes are proving to be be deeply flawed, and in some cases, absolutely untrustworthy. Spiritual abuse is rampant. Our Lord shines brightly in the darkness. Idols are crumbling and He will pick up the pieces of our broken hearts. Be near, Lord.

Christians can read the Bible every day and still have our hearts firmly against the ways of the kingdom of God. This is especially true when we read it to win arguments, hurt others, simply gain more information, or attempt to earn favor with God.

“Emotional blackmail” is the fruit of “empathy is a sin.” When we’re suspicious of empathy, we start to assume anyone displaying it has an ulterior motive.