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The topic for our evening's discussion grows out of this thread of content which has been [[progressing]] in the last few weeks, starting with [[forgiveness]] and now moving on. Tonight I wish to develop further the concept of the [[relationship]] of [[graciousness]] and [[truth]] as I have already introduced it.

The topic for our evening's discussion grows out of this thread of content which has been [[progressing]] in the last few weeks, starting with [[forgiveness]] and now moving on. Tonight I wish to develop further the concept of the [[relationship]] of [[graciousness]] and [[truth]] as I have already introduced it.

Remember when you were [[children]] and were advised that there were certain delicate situations that required the [[practice]] of the term '[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_lies white lies]', glossing over [[truth]] to spare the [[feelings]] of others? Isaac remembers [[confusion]] as to what appeared to be, as a child, a double [[standard]]. This [[tension]] between [[graciousness]] and [[truth]] remains a problem, a concern for all peoples and not merely a [[puzzle]] for little ones, for this [[dilemma]], the question of how much truth is the right amount, is generic to and [[inherent]] in its [[expression]] in [[graciousness]].

Remember when you were [[children]] and were advised that there were certain delicate situations that required the [[practice]] of the term '[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_lies white lies]', glossing over [[truth]] to spare the [[feelings]] of others? Isaac remembers [[confusion]] as to what appeared to be, as a child, a double [[standard]]. This [[tension]] between [[graciousness]] and [[truth]] remains a problem, a concern for all peoples and not merely a [[puzzle]] for little ones, for this [[dilemma]], the question of how much truth is the right amount, is generic to and [[inherent]] in its [[expression]] in [[graciousness]].

[[Your text]] tells you that overmuch [[truth]] can be blinding [[light]] which causes retinal damage and causes the receiver to recoil in [[pain]]. Obviously, then, it is not [[gracious]] to present more [[truth]] in a situation to an [[individual]] than they are capable of [[comprehending]]. This is why [[our Master]] said, 'Be [[wise]] as serpents and harmless as doves'. He was referring to this very [[tension]] between [[truth]] and [[graciousness]]. But, it could be said, is there a simple [[formula]], an easy answer to this perplexing age long [[dilemma]]? And, of course, my reply is (and I am sure you all know) no, there is no [[simple]] answer. There is no [[panacea]], as it were. It is much more [[complex]].

[[Your text]] tells you that overmuch [[truth]] can be blinding [[light]] which causes retinal damage and causes the receiver to recoil in [[pain]]. Obviously, then, it is not [[gracious]] to present more [[truth]] in a situation to an [[individual]] than they are capable of [[comprehending]]. This is why [[our Master]] said, 'Be [[wise]] as serpents and harmless as doves'. He was referring to this very [[tension]] between [[truth]] and [[graciousness]]. But, it could be said, is there a simple [[formula]], an easy answer to this perplexing age long [[dilemma]]? And, of course, my reply is (and I am sure you all know) no, there is no [[simple]] answer. There is no [[panacea]], as it were. It is much more [[complex]].

I am wanting to [[express]] also that to show another [[truth]] is not, obviously, a matter of [[words]] only, although at times words are involved, but an [[attitude]], that [[gracious]] [[acceptance]] of [[equality]], that gospel/good news that we are, indeed, all [[children]] of one incredibly loving [[God]] and therefor [[brothers and sisters]]. I know you are well [[read]] in [[the book]] and you know this is [[the gospel]] that [[Jesus]] taught and the gospel this world needs to hear. So when you present your [[truth]] you do not do it from any [[elitist]] [[motivation]]. You [[share]] the common banquet of the [[Kingdom of Heaven]] with hungry brothers and sisters. Again, thank you for your comments."

I am wanting to [[express]] also that to show another [[truth]] is not, obviously, a matter of [[words]] only, although at times words are involved, but an [[attitude]], that [[gracious]] [[acceptance]] of [[equality]], that gospel/good news that we are, indeed, all [[children]] of one incredibly loving [[God]] and therefor [[brothers and sisters]]. I know you are well [[read]] in [[the book]] and you know this is [[the gospel]] that [[Jesus]] taught and the gospel this world needs to hear. So when you present your [[truth]] you do not do it from any [[elitist]] [[motivation]]. You [[share]] the common banquet of the [[Kingdom of Heaven]] with hungry brothers and sisters. Again, thank you for your comments."

PamElla: "Thank you, Daniel. That was helpful. I had one other [[thought]] that has come and gone and I think it has returned, and that is when you were talking about [[intention]] I somehow got involved in [[assessing]] other people's intention I guess probably from the situation that I have been involved with that I [[shared]] earlier. I have judged that individual as being sneaky, [[covert]], passive/aggressive, and a number of other [[statements]] that suggest to me that this individual's [[desire]] is to cover up [[truth]] and not deal truthfully. And I have some [[confusion]] in that it is not my place to [[judge]] but I also know about this [[individual]] that this individual, I believe, does want to be in [[alignment]] with God's will and has been on a truth [[seeking]] [[path]] even though I see this individual as being very [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codependency codependent], having all of those [[traits]] that I just mentioned that are the opposite of truth [[revealing]]. And I don't know that I have a question, per se, except that perhaps I am [[confused]] about recognizing that person's [[desire]] to be in [[alignment]] with God's will and recognizing that person's covering of [[truth]] and hiding. If you have a comment that would help me in that [[confusion]], I would appreciate it."

PamElla: "Thank you, Daniel. That was helpful. I had one other [[thought]] that has come and gone and I think it has returned, and that is when you were talking about [[intention]] I somehow got involved in [[assessing]] other people's intention I guess probably from the situation that I have been involved with that I [[shared]] earlier. I have judged that individual as being sneaky, [[covert]], passive/aggressive, and a number of other [[statements]] that suggest to me that this individual's [[desire]] is to cover up [[truth]] and not deal truthfully. And I have some [[confusion]] in that it is not my place to [[judge]] but I also know about this [[individual]] that this individual, I believe, does want to be in [[alignment]] with God's will and has been on a truth [[seeking]] [[path]] even though I see this individual as being very [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codependency codependent], having all of those [[traits]] that I just mentioned that are the opposite of truth [[revealing]]. And I don't know that I have a question, per se, except that perhaps I am [[confused]] about recognizing that person's [[desire]] to be in [[alignment]] with God's will and recognizing that person's covering of [[truth]] and hiding. If you have a comment that would help me in that [[confusion]], I would appreciate it."

Daniel: "Yes, my daughter. My response is that you are [[wise]] to catch yourself in the [[act]] of the [[tension]] I have been describing and [[examine]] your own [[motivation]]. Are you, in [[fact]], wanting to be in a role of judgment? Or are you intending to present [[truth]]? There is..(and only you can answer this)..there is a [[danger]] in assuming that we know more about another [[person]]'s [[motivation]] than is, in [[fact]], true. And this is true for beings higher than [[mortals]]. And so there needs to be that [[democracy]] of [[spirit]], that [[generosity]] of giving to the other, when there is a [[choice]], the best of [[motives]]; and when there isn't a choice, withholding [[judgment]] about motivation.

Daniel: "Yes, my daughter. My response is that you are [[wise]] to catch yourself in the [[act]] of the [[tension]] I have been describing and [[examine]] your own [[motivation]]. Are you, in [[fact]], wanting to be in a role of judgment? Or are you intending to present [[truth]]? There is..(and only you can answer this)..there is a [[danger]] in assuming that we know more about another [[person]]'s [[motivation]] than is, in [[fact]], true. And this is true for beings higher than [[mortals]]. And so there needs to be that [[democracy]] of [[spirit]], that [[generosity]] of giving to the other, when there is a [[choice]], the best of [[motives]]; and when there isn't a choice, withholding [[judgment]] about motivation.