This is a re-post due to a tech glitch. Both adversity and prosperity can strengthen the inner person through God’s Spirit.

Soren writes, of the Apostle Paul’s ministry, the power of this miracle: “To transform hardships into a witness for the truth of a teaching…is this not like making the lame walk and the mute speak?” We gain confidence that the Gospel transforms trouble into eternal Truth.

Spotify is doing some work on the podcaster side of its platform on Wednesday, when I typically do the podcast. So, I will do it on Thursday instead. You can listen to episodes on Wednesday, I just cannot do one. So, I decided to read the prayer at the beginning of Upbuilding Discourse #5 while also mentioning that the next podcast will be published Thursday.

We finish this Upbuilding Discourse of “Love Hiding a Multitude of Sins” with a revisiting of Jesus loving a woman who the religious men hated. And she learned to love Him and herself in the process. And to turn away from her past.

Soren brilliantly explains that love is not a blind and fanciful but fleeting feeling. It is sober-minded and sees sin clearly. Yet, love also forgives and extends grace. A paradox for sure which is the genius of Kierkegaard at his best in interpreting and applying Scriptural truth.

The love of power is idolatrous and destructive. The power of love (Love Will Hide a Multitude of Sins) is transformative and healing.

Love doesn’t deny sin but it does cover sin. That is, we express to others what God has given us. The grace to forbear and forgive. Soren develops this idea through the next two (of three) Upbuilding Discourses.

Trials ultimately can make us realize that we are not the captain of our souls. God is. Trials can humble us and make us willing to receive the Word implanted which saves our souls.

In the middle of our trials, at some point we need to be quiet, close our mouths, and listen to God. For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness that God requires. We are not to be childish and throw a tantrum and/or be a jaded cynic with a hardened heart.

Soren expounds on the idea that God’s wisdom to us is His greatest gift. Wisdom for the streets and the public square. I got cut off at the end so this will be continued next week…