I think this is the first time that I heard/read someone say explicitly that one of the problems about “applying verses” or “Biblical instruction” is not just the approach, but really the attitude. And I do not just mean to the ends of the instruction, like gaining freedom or virtue, etc., but to the person of God.

I always think when someone tries to sum up Christian principles, like you sort of did, of Christ’s command, “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you”. With that quote from St. Augustine, it seems that this “Love God” would mean adopting absolutely this “will” or charge, and making it your own: becoming like Him because He is what you love and desire to be.

However, forgive me Abouna for being slow, but I still don’t appreciate this “freedom” or “liberty” that comes from Christ. I mean, I as yet do not appreciate the difference between the Jews and Christianity, I guess. They also were commanded to “love God”, and we have clear examples. Is it because the Jews were commanded to love God, but we have seen His love and just answer to it? I mean, is not the “path” still narrow? I still don’t understand why St. Paul says that the offence is not as the gift (which I think is related to the idea of liberty) …do you have any suggestions on how to better understand Romans 5?

PPFM (esp. for my barrier exams!)
A bit confused Tony.