Passage for the simple

Read it as if you were looking at a new piece of art. Read it as if you were filled with loving bias.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are

not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion;

therefore I will wait for him.'

The Lord is good to those whose hope is

in him,

to the one who seeks him;

it is good to wait quietly

for the salvation of the lord.

It is good for a man to bear the yoke

while he is young.

Let him sit alone in silence,

for the Lord has laid it on him.

Let him bury his face in the dust --

there may yet be hope.

Let him offer his cheek to one who would

strike him,

and let him be filled with disgrace.

For men are not cast off

by the Lord forever.

Though he brings grief, he will show

compassion,

so great is his unfailing love.

For he does not willingly bring affliction

or grief to the children of men.

To crush underfoot

all prisoners in the land,

to deny a man his rights

before the Most High,

to deprive a man of justice --

would not the Lord see such things?

Who can speak and have it happen

if the Lord has not decreed it?

Is it not from the mouth of the Most High

that both calamities and good things come?

Why should any living man complain

when punished for his sins?

Let us examine our ways and test them,

and let us return to the Lord."

To the dearest of dear friends:

In many ways, these images are identical.

Don't tell me my reason for living is incorrect. I would never even think to tell you the same. And remember, it's easy to say you're open-minded and tolerant, and in the same breath prove yourself wrong. Don't think of yourself as hateful? Don't promote hate. Do your own thing, don't spend your precious time trying to nullify everyone else's things.