Not hardened at all, I just do things differently, more effectively. I think that's "more like Father". Enabling isn't helping. In fact, enabling others is something I believe one can be held somewhat accountable for. Accusing me of being cynical and hard hearted based on my comments would be a bit short sighted. While I may not give cars away like I used to, I do other things instead. Things that I actually feel better about.Jezebel wrote: There's never any guarantee that a person isn't going to take advantage of you or use your gifts in the way you intended. God gives to us freely and expects us to do the same if we want to learn to be like him. You can take your experiences and allow them to harden your heart, making you more cynical and wary, or you can allow them to teach you to let go of others choices, thus becoming more like Father. It sounds like you've chosen to allow yours to harden you.
And pulling yourself up by your bootstraps is actually gospel truth. It isn't something to take harshly. God told Adam and Eve that it was by the sweat of their brows that they should eat. How's that for Fatherly?