The Cruciform Love of God and The Way Forward

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I know, love, and respect many Christians who are on opposite sides of the political spectrum. Both are focused on issues they think are extremely important to our nation. I agree with many of them, and find myself conflicted as I see God’s light and love at work across the political spectrum. Everyone is so focused on convincing others that we forget to listen, we want to be understood so badly that we don’t take time to understand. High tension, confusion, and frustration are the defining characteristics of the church right now. We are called to go low, to serve, to encourage, to lift up, to bless, to give thanks, and to understand.

It seems, that on both sides, we are giving into fear by blaming, arguing, complaining, and being more concerned with justifying ourselves than loving others. The passion in your heart is important, you have a voice, and what God is speaking to you needs to find expression. We need to stand up for righteousness, for goodness, for mercy, for compassion, for freedom, and for justice. You are made in God’s image and he is speaking through you, but we lose our voice when we fail to see God in one another.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -John 13:35

Yes we need to be Jesus to the world, but we also need to reflect Him within our own family. Loving our family can sometimes be harder than loving a stranger because we are more aware of their faults. To all Christians, don’t make assumptions about why someone does something, or about who they actually are. Stop blaming, stop accusing, and stop spreading fear. The way to transformation and change is always through vulnerability, openness, going low, seeking to understand; transformation comes through love.

1. To Christians who have values that motivated your vote for Clinton, stop labeling all Trump supporters as ‘this or that’, stop spreading doom and gloom. Real change comes from real relationships. Affirm some issues you can agree on with your friends that are ‘on the other side’. If you first find commonality you then have a position of influence to share where you disagree. Without relationship you will not have this voice.

2. Christians who have values that led you to vote for Trump, seek to understand those that are different than you, humble yourselves by listening and empathizing. Close the door to pride. Take notice of the concerns of your friends, where can you agree with them? Speak up to support minorities, condemn racism, defend the defenseless. Jesus wasn’t concerned with ‘being’ right but about ‘doing’ right.

3. Everyone, transformation and reconciliation happens when we bless and not curse. That means we bless our enemies, have you done that today? The influence we have to correct is proportionate to how much we have encouraged.

I believe we all have important perspectives and values, and that God is at work through us all. God has ignited a purpose and vision in your heart that is worthy fighting for, being passionate about, and even grieving over when it goes unrealized. I want you to fulfill the purpose that God has for you. I want you to speak out, to stand up, and to make a difference, but we all need to humble ourselves before one another; the love of Jesus demands it.

Where do you see God at work in republicans, in democrats, in our nation? If you cannot answer this question, or refuse to give voice to validate Christ in your brothers and sisters, you have given up any real influence you have. Instead of being a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal, let us find our true place of influence through the amazing cruciform love of God. Jesus went low, He served rather than demanding to be served, He stood up for the weak, He preached about the Kingdom, and He loved everyone, even those who persecuted Him, to the point of death. It is in this way, by adopting Cruciform Love, that we can bridge the gaps that have divided us. It is in this way that we we will be a light to the world, an agent of change, not just for our values or political views, but for the Kingdom of Heaven.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

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Dan Thorson
Husband to Shatera
On staff with Northgate Church in
Ramsey, MN working primarily with youth.
indagatioveri.blogspot.com
Passionate about sharing the love of Christ!

For more information or to schedule a counseling appointment today:

Call us at 303-902-3068
or fill out the form below.

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what to expect

We’re here to help you heal, grow and thrive through Christian counseling.

We understand – the thought of coming to counseling can be intimidating.

Trust us when we say there’s nothing to be afraid of! We’re normal people just like you who have a desire to help you live your life to the fullest.

To help ease any discomfort you may have at the thought of counseling with us, we’d like to let you know how to prepare for counseling and what to expect.

First, we should tell you what therapy is…

  • Therapy is about helping you reach a goal or goals; it’s about getting you to a place where you feel comfortable and satisfied with the way life is humming on around you and within you.
  • Therapy is about working with your therapist to achieve the outcome you’re hoping for. A good therapist is like a coach, teacher, consultant, and referee all wrapped into one. They’ll listen to you and understand you without judging you. They’ll help you see more clearly how you got to where you are and how to get to where you want to go. They’ll give you the confidence to talk about things with others (spouse, family member, friend, co-worker, etc) that you may have been too uncomfortable to bring up on your own.
  • Ultimately, therapy equips you to work through any obstacle that lies between where you are now and where you really want to be.

…and what therapy is not

  • Therapy isn’t always a quick, painless fix.  Sometimes things get worse before they get better.  But if you stick with it and do the hard work of walking through this challenging season with your therapist, things will get better!
  • Therapy isn’t about your therapist doing the work for you.  However good a therapist may be, he/she cannot make you reach your goal(s). They can’t fix your problem(s) for you. You will still have to work at it. What a good therapist will do for you is give you the means and the guidance to help you reach your goal(s), and will walk alongside you until you get there.

Have some questions, or need more info? Click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

On how to prepare for counseling

What will my first session be like?

Your first session is a chance for you to make sure you and your counselor are a great fit! They might ask you about what’s brought you in, if you have questions, and some history. Your counselor may take notes as you talk, to help you as you create a therapy plan together to reach your goals. (You’re not being graded or judged!)

The first session builds the foundation for future growth and healing, and you’ll probably spend a good amount of time talking about your background and the history of what’s bringing you in. You might feel strong emotions, cry, or feel overwhelmed at times, but your counselor is there to help you feel safe, comfortable, and supported.

The therapeutic process can feel slow when you first start. You may feel like the first few sessions haven’t done much, but they are building up to the deeper work! It’s important to remember one session won’t “fix” everything. It can take a few sessions to dig deep before you get to the powerful work of healing.

On the other hand, as you dive into sharing deep hurts, you may notice yourself feeling more vulnerable, raw, or emotional after your first few sessions. This is totally normal! Your therapist can help you identify these deeper emotions and causes, and help you care for yourself as you open yourself up to the process of healing.

The beautiful thing about counseling is that it’s for you. There’s no perfect formula for when you’ll “feel better,” (though sometimes we wish there was!).

As you address important issues, implement the tools and strategies you talk about in counseling, and work through specific things, you may start noticing small changes before big ones.

Give yourself time to get comfortable, feel safe with your therapist, and share your hurts and sorrows. Healing takes time, and there is no pressure or deadline to get there! You’ll start noticing the positive changes in your life at exactly the pace that is right for you.

By blending what fits you both practically and personally!

Practically, what location do you live closest to? Are you looking for someone in person or online? Do you have a price range in mind? Do you need a counselor with specific skills?

Personally, are you more comfortable with a counselor that is soft-spoken and gently encouraging? Do you prefer someone strong who can challenge you to grow? Do you enjoy diving deep into emotions? Or do you prefer concrete strategies and tools?

You can find all this information and more on each counselor’s bio page!

Not sure where to start? Contact our admin team and they can help match you with the right counselor for you!

No worries! We want to make sure that you find the absolute best counselor for you. If you meet with a counselor at Cornerstone and feel like they’re not quite right, or you want someone with more experience or training in a specific area, we offer one free transfer session to a new counselor on our team.

Just reach out to our office and we can set that up for you!

Definitely limit distractions! Wear something comfortable, since you may be sitting or moving around. The last thing you need is that itchy tag stealing your attention every few minutes. Turn notifications off on your phone, watch, and other devices.

If you’re doing online counseling, make sure you’re in a quiet, confidential spot. If you’re coming into the office, come a few minutes early to scope out the location, find the office, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in our waiting room.

And of course, make sure you complete your paperwork ahead of time! This not only helps your therapist jump right in, it can help you think through your goals and desires for healing, which helps you make the most of your time together.

To learn more, read our article How to Prepare for Your First Christian Counseling Session.

Therapy length varies based on your needs, goals, and the complexity of your concerns. Some people see progress in a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of treatment for deeper or ongoing issues.

Your counselor will work with you to recommend a personalized plan that supports lasting healing and growth. We’ve also created a simple roadmap to help you understand the five phases of therapy: connection, planning, change, review, and celebration.

Get to know us! Follow Cornerstone on Social Media

Facebook X-twitter Instagram Pinterest Linkedin
Schedule An Appointment

The Latest from the Blog

what to expect

We’re here to help you heal, grow and thrive through Christian counseling.

We understand – the thought of coming to counseling can be intimidating.

Trust us when we say there’s nothing to be afraid of! We’re normal people just like you who have a desire to help you live your life to the fullest.

To help ease any discomfort you may have at the thought of counseling with us, we’d like to let you know how to prepare for counseling and what to expect.

First, we should tell you what therapy is…

  • Therapy is about helping you reach a goal or goals; it’s about getting you to a place where you feel comfortable and satisfied with the way life is humming on around you and within you.
  • Therapy is about working with your therapist to achieve the outcome you’re hoping for. A good therapist is like a coach, teacher, consultant, and referee all wrapped into one. They’ll listen to you and understand you without judging you. They’ll help you see more clearly how you got to where you are and how to get to where you want to go. They’ll give you the confidence to talk about things with others (spouse, family member, friend, co-worker, etc) that you may have been too uncomfortable to bring up on your own.
  • Ultimately, therapy equips you to work through any obstacle that lies between where you are now and where you really want to be.

…and what therapy is not

  • Therapy isn’t always a quick, painless fix.  Sometimes things get worse before they get better.  But if you stick with it and do the hard work of walking through this challenging season with your therapist, things will get better!
  • Therapy isn’t about your therapist doing the work for you.  However good a therapist may be, he/she cannot make you reach your goal(s). They can’t fix your problem(s) for you. You will still have to work at it. What a good therapist will do for you is give you the means and the guidance to help you reach your goal(s), and will walk alongside you until you get there.

Have some questions, or need more info? Click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

On how to prepare for counseling

What will my first session be like?

Your first session is a chance for you to make sure you and your counselor are a great fit! They might ask you about what’s brought you in, if you have questions, and some history. Your counselor may take notes as you talk, to help you as you create a therapy plan together to reach your goals. (You’re not being graded or judged!)

The first session builds the foundation for future growth and healing, and you’ll probably spend a good amount of time talking about your background and the history of what’s bringing you in. You might feel strong emotions, cry, or feel overwhelmed at times, but your counselor is there to help you feel safe, comfortable, and supported.

The therapeutic process can feel slow when you first start. You may feel like the first few sessions haven’t done much, but they are building up to the deeper work! It’s important to remember one session won’t “fix” everything. It can take a few sessions to dig deep before you get to the powerful work of healing.

On the other hand, as you dive into sharing deep hurts, you may notice yourself feeling more vulnerable, raw, or emotional after your first few sessions. This is totally normal! Your therapist can help you identify these deeper emotions and causes, and help you care for yourself as you open yourself up to the process of healing.

The beautiful thing about counseling is that it’s for you. There’s no perfect formula for when you’ll “feel better,” (though sometimes we wish there was!).

As you address important issues, implement the tools and strategies you talk about in counseling, and work through specific things, you may start noticing small changes before big ones.

Give yourself time to get comfortable, feel safe with your therapist, and share your hurts and sorrows. Healing takes time, and there is no pressure or deadline to get there! You’ll start noticing the positive changes in your life at exactly the pace that is right for you.

By blending what fits you both practically and personally!

Practically, what location do you live closest to? Are you looking for someone in person or online? Do you have a price range in mind? Do you need a counselor with specific skills?

Personally, are you more comfortable with a counselor that is soft-spoken and gently encouraging? Do you prefer someone strong who can challenge you to grow? Do you enjoy diving deep into emotions? Or do you prefer concrete strategies and tools?

You can find all this information and more on each counselor’s bio page!

Not sure where to start? Contact our admin team and they can help match you with the right counselor for you!

No worries! We want to make sure that you find the absolute best counselor for you. If you meet with a counselor at Cornerstone and feel like they’re not quite right, or you want someone with more experience or training in a specific area, we offer one free transfer session to a new counselor on our team.

Just reach out to our office and we can set that up for you!

Definitely limit distractions! Wear something comfortable, since you may be sitting or moving around. The last thing you need is that itchy tag stealing your attention every few minutes. Turn notifications off on your phone, watch, and other devices.

If you’re doing online counseling, make sure you’re in a quiet, confidential spot. If you’re coming into the office, come a few minutes early to scope out the location, find the office, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in our waiting room.

And of course, make sure you complete your paperwork ahead of time! This not only helps your therapist jump right in, it can help you think through your goals and desires for healing, which helps you make the most of your time together.

To learn more, read our article How to Prepare for Your First Christian Counseling Session.

Therapy length varies based on your needs, goals, and the complexity of your concerns. Some people see progress in a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of treatment for deeper or ongoing issues.

Your counselor will work with you to recommend a personalized plan that supports lasting healing and growth. We’ve also created a simple roadmap to help you understand the five phases of therapy: connection, planning, change, review, and celebration.

Get to know us! Follow Cornerstone on Social Media

Facebook X-twitter Instagram Pinterest Linkedin
Schedule An Appointment

The Latest from the Blog

what to expect

We’re here to help you heal, grow and thrive through Christian counseling.

We understand – the thought of coming to counseling can be intimidating.

Trust us when we say there’s nothing to be afraid of! We’re normal people just like you who have a desire to help you live your life to the fullest.

To help ease any discomfort you may have at the thought of counseling with us, we’d like to let you know how to prepare for counseling and what to expect.

First, we should tell you what therapy is…

  • Therapy is about helping you reach a goal or goals; it’s about getting you to a place where you feel comfortable and satisfied with the way life is humming on around you and within you.
  • Therapy is about working with your therapist to achieve the outcome you’re hoping for. A good therapist is like a coach, teacher, consultant, and referee all wrapped into one. They’ll listen to you and understand you without judging you. They’ll help you see more clearly how you got to where you are and how to get to where you want to go. They’ll give you the confidence to talk about things with others (spouse, family member, friend, co-worker, etc) that you may have been too uncomfortable to bring up on your own.
  • Ultimately, therapy equips you to work through any obstacle that lies between where you are now and where you really want to be.

…and what therapy is not

  • Therapy isn’t always a quick, painless fix.  Sometimes things get worse before they get better.  But if you stick with it and do the hard work of walking through this challenging season with your therapist, things will get better!
  • Therapy isn’t about your therapist doing the work for you.  However good a therapist may be, he/she cannot make you reach your goal(s). They can’t fix your problem(s) for you. You will still have to work at it. What a good therapist will do for you is give you the means and the guidance to help you reach your goal(s), and will walk alongside you until you get there.

Have some questions, or need more info? Click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

On how to prepare for counseling

What will my first session be like?

Your first session is a chance for you to make sure you and your counselor are a great fit! They might ask you about what’s brought you in, if you have questions, and some history. Your counselor may take notes as you talk, to help you as you create a therapy plan together to reach your goals. (You’re not being graded or judged!)

The first session builds the foundation for future growth and healing, and you’ll probably spend a good amount of time talking about your background and the history of what’s bringing you in. You might feel strong emotions, cry, or feel overwhelmed at times, but your counselor is there to help you feel safe, comfortable, and supported.

The therapeutic process can feel slow when you first start. You may feel like the first few sessions haven’t done much, but they are building up to the deeper work! It’s important to remember one session won’t “fix” everything. It can take a few sessions to dig deep before you get to the powerful work of healing.

On the other hand, as you dive into sharing deep hurts, you may notice yourself feeling more vulnerable, raw, or emotional after your first few sessions. This is totally normal! Your therapist can help you identify these deeper emotions and causes, and help you care for yourself as you open yourself up to the process of healing.

The beautiful thing about counseling is that it’s for you. There’s no perfect formula for when you’ll “feel better,” (though sometimes we wish there was!).

As you address important issues, implement the tools and strategies you talk about in counseling, and work through specific things, you may start noticing small changes before big ones.

Give yourself time to get comfortable, feel safe with your therapist, and share your hurts and sorrows. Healing takes time, and there is no pressure or deadline to get there! You’ll start noticing the positive changes in your life at exactly the pace that is right for you.

By blending what fits you both practically and personally!

Practically, what location do you live closest to? Are you looking for someone in person or online? Do you have a price range in mind? Do you need a counselor with specific skills?

Personally, are you more comfortable with a counselor that is soft-spoken and gently encouraging? Do you prefer someone strong who can challenge you to grow? Do you enjoy diving deep into emotions? Or do you prefer concrete strategies and tools?

You can find all this information and more on each counselor’s bio page!

Not sure where to start? Contact our admin team and they can help match you with the right counselor for you!

No worries! We want to make sure that you find the absolute best counselor for you. If you meet with a counselor at Cornerstone and feel like they’re not quite right, or you want someone with more experience or training in a specific area, we offer one free transfer session to a new counselor on our team.

Just reach out to our office and we can set that up for you!

Definitely limit distractions! Wear something comfortable, since you may be sitting or moving around. The last thing you need is that itchy tag stealing your attention every few minutes. Turn notifications off on your phone, watch, and other devices.

If you’re doing online counseling, make sure you’re in a quiet, confidential spot. If you’re coming into the office, come a few minutes early to scope out the location, find the office, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in our waiting room.

And of course, make sure you complete your paperwork ahead of time! This not only helps your therapist jump right in, it can help you think through your goals and desires for healing, which helps you make the most of your time together.

To learn more, read our article How to Prepare for Your First Christian Counseling Session.

Therapy length varies based on your needs, goals, and the complexity of your concerns. Some people see progress in a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of treatment for deeper or ongoing issues.

Your counselor will work with you to recommend a personalized plan that supports lasting healing and growth. We’ve also created a simple roadmap to help you understand the five phases of therapy: connection, planning, change, review, and celebration.

Get to know us! Follow Cornerstone on Social Media

Facebook X-twitter Instagram Pinterest Linkedin
Schedule An Appointment

The Latest from the Blog