Pure Christlike love flowing from true righteousness can change the world.

God wants us to be stronger than we are--more fixed in our purpose, more certain of our commitments, eventually needing less coddling from Him, showing more willingness to shoulder some of the burden of His heavy load. In short, He wants us to be more like He is and, if you haven't noticed, some of us are not like that yet.

The Church is not a monastery for the isolation of perfect people. It is more like a hospital provided for those who wish to get well.

However many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made, ... you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love.

Though we may feel we are "like a broken vessel," as the Psalmist says (Psalms 31:12), we must remember, that vessel is in the hands of the divine potter. Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed. While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind.

Surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don't expect it and often feel they don't deserve it.

Along with filters on computers and a lock on affections, remember that the only real control in life is self-control.