Bear’s Reviews > The Scandal of the Kingdom: How the Parables of Jesus Revolutionize Life with God > Status Update

“In our actions toward those who wrong us, we no longer hold them responsible or base our behavior toward them on what they’ve done... The inward side of forgiving means we no longer brood, dwelling on the hurt… We have come to some degree of liberty …because we have chosen to look to the future… the mark of forgiveness is not that you no longer hurt…you are no longer preoccupied with the hurt.” P.182

”Our children were given to us to love, not to sit on. And while we often feel responsible for their behavior, there comes a moment when we have to turn them loose and say, ‘I’ll help you.’ We need to have confidence in them because we have confidence in God.” P.152-153

“People who profess the name of Christ often do not comprehend the greatness of the invitation to life in the kingdom of God.” P.83

These stories allowed people time and space to think, circumventing their pride or fear. A story invites reflection, not argument. That’s why we need to meditate on the parables. The lessons… are absolutely vital and fundamental, and meditating on them will allow our understanding to grow, blossom, and bear fruit. - p.33

“The kingdom of God constantly renews us; it comes to us where we are. It is always “at hand,” present with us. When the Bible speaks of heaven, it means God acting in this world – right here, right now. This is real life.“ p. 15