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Friday, February 27, 2026

Theological Favor of God Inquiry

 

In church not long ago a pastor asked, "What qualifies us for the favor of God"? Immediately my Spidey senses started activating and red flags popped up everywhere because Grace is a free gift. This was followed by this statement; The qualification to receive the favor of God is whether we can handle the favor without stealing it! Right there in church I did an AI search (I had already researched this long before AI) and wanted to see the results. Full disclosure: I have not had a chance to validate this yet, but it seems fairly accurate. I'll probably be editing it in the future but just wanted to share it for now. I asked AI to act like a bible scholar from seven different branches of Christianity.

Prompt to AI:
Act as a Catholic,  Lutheran,  Calvinist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Charismatic,  and Presbyterian scholar. Answer whether these assumptions fit historical biblical teaching. 

What qualifies us for the favor of God?

The qualification:

Can you handle the favor of God without stealing the glory of God?

Is this in agreement with Covenant principles in scripture,  especially the new covenant in Christ.

AI Plan to Research Websites:

(1) Research the definition and doctrine of the favor of God (Grace) within Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Presbyterian traditions, focusing on the concepts of merit, unmerited favor, and justification. 

(2) Investigate the specific theological claim that human ability to handle favor without stealing God's glory serves as a qualification for receiving that favor. 

(3) Analyze the Catholic perspective on 'actual grace' and 'sanctifying grace' in relation to human disposition and the glory of God. 

(4) Examine the Lutheran and Calvinist (Reformed) views on 'Sola Gratia' (Grace Alone) and 'Soli Deo Gloria' (Glory to God Alone) to determine if they view human humility as a prerequisite or a result of grace. 

(5) Explore Methodist/Wesleyan views on 'prevenient grace' and 'Christian perfection' and how these relate to the stewardship of God's favor. 

(6) Research Pentecostal and Charismatic teachings on the 'anointing' and 'favor,' specifically looking for the origins of the phrase 'handling the favor without stealing the glory.' 

(7) Evaluate how each tradition interprets New Covenant principles regarding 'qualifying' for God's presence, contrasting the 'Old Covenant' law-based approach with the 'New Covenant' faith-based approach in Christ. (8) Compare and contrast these scholarly perspectives to synthesize a response on whether the proposed qualification aligns with historical biblical theology or represents a modern/specific movement's interpretation.




The Architecture of Divine Favor:

A Multiconfessional Analysis of Grace, Glory, and Covenantal Stewardship

The question of what qualifies a human being for the favor of God is perhaps the most fundamental inquiry in Christian dogmatics, serving as the hinge upon which the doors of the Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, and the modern Charismatic movements turn. Central to this inquiry is the provocative assumption that a specific qualification exists: the capacity to "handle" the favor of God without "stealing" His glory. This formulation implies a psychological and spiritual readiness—a "container" of character—that must precede or accompany the distribution of divine blessing. To evaluate whether this assumption fits historical biblical teaching, one must engage in a rigorous comparative analysis across the Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Methodist, and Pentecostal-charismatic traditions, testing the concept against the varied architectures of the Old and New Covenants.



The Roman Catholic Framework:

Infused Grace and the Disposition of the Soul


In the Roman Catholic tradition, the "favor of God" is understood primarily through the category of sanctifying grace, an infused quality that heals the soul and makes it pleasing to God. The Catholic scholar approaches the concept of qualification through the lens of "disposition." According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, grace is the "free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call," yet it establishes a "cooperation between God’s grace and man’s freedom".
1 Here, the "qualification" for favor is not a merit earned in a vacuum but a divinely aided preparation.

The process of justification, as defined by the Council of Trent and subsequent Catholic teaching, involves a "movement of the will".2 While the initial grace (prevenient grace) is entirely unmerited and cannot be "handled" or "earned," the subsequent life of the believer involves "disposing oneself" to receive further increases of grace. This disposition is not a theft of God's glory but a fulfillment of it. In the Thomistic vision, grace does not destroy nature but "presupposes and perfects it".2 Therefore, the "handling" of favor is seen as the exercise of the theological and cardinal virtues—faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance—which are themselves gifts of God.

Theological Category

Roman Catholic Definition

Role of Human Agency

Nature of Grace

Infused quality (habitus) and divine help

Synergy and cooperation of the will

Qualification

Disposition through faith and the sacraments

Voluntary reception and "meritorious" cooperation

Glory of God

Manifested in the holiness of the saints

God is glorified through His transformed creatures

Handling Favor

Virtuous living and stewardship of the sacraments

The "use" of grace to merit eternal life

The Catholic scholar argues that "stealing the glory of God" is prevented by the virtue of humility, which recognizes that even our "merits" are God's gifts.3 The Jansenist controversy highlighted this tension; while Jansenists sought to safeguard the "total gratuity of grace" by emphasizing irresistible grace, the broader Catholic tradition insisted on the necessity of human assent.3 To "handle" favor, in this tradition, is to remain an active but dependent participant in the divine life. The "qualification" is effectively the soul's willingness to be "graced" and subsequently to act in accordance with that grace.2

The Lutheran Perspective: Forensic Justification and the Bondage of the Will

The Lutheran tradition offers a radical counter-perspective to the "dispositional" model. For the Lutheran scholar, any talk of "qualifying" to "handle" God's favor is a dangerous intrusion of the Law into the Gospel. Martin Luther’s theology was forged in the fires of a struggle for assurance, leading him to conclude that the human will is in "bondage" and can do nothing to prepare for or "handle" grace.5

In Lutheran dogmatics, the favor of God is "forensic"—it is God's favorable attitude toward the sinner because of Christ, external to the believer (extra nos). The only "qualification" for favor is the recognition of one's total unqualification.1 Luther insisted that for those in Christ, God is an "all-loving Father," while for those outside, He is a "stern judge".5 The "handling" of favor is not a human management of a spiritual asset; rather, it is a passive reception of the "alien righteousness" of Christ through the "Means of Grace"—the Word and the Sacraments.6



Theological Category

Lutheran Definition

Role of Human Agency

Nature of Grace

Forensic declaration of righteousness

Entirely passive; Sola Fide

Qualification

Sin and the acknowledgement of need

None; faith itself is a gift from God

Glory of God

Secured by the total exclusion of human pride

God's "proper work" is love and mercy

Handling Favor

Constant return to Baptism and the Word

Passive "trust" in the external promise

The Lutheran scholar would view the assumption "Can you handle the favor without stealing the glory?" with deep suspicion. If favor is dependent on our capacity to handle it, then salvation is no longer a "gift" but a "wage" for the work of character-building. Lutherans appeal to the "mystery" of why some are saved and others are not, refusing to find the cause in human "capacity" or "handling".8 To "handle" favor in the Lutheran sense is simply to cling to the promise of the Gospel in the midst of one's own perceived unworthiness.

The Reformed and Presbyterian Witness: Sovereignty and Soli Deo Gloria

The Reformed tradition, particularly as articulated in the Westminster Confession of Faith, places the "Glory of God" at the center of its architectonic system. To the Presbyterian scholar, the universe is a theater for the manifestation of God’s attributes.10 The "favor of God" (grace) is directed toward the elect through an "eternal and immutable purpose" that exists entirely independent of any foreseen human merit, faith, or "capacity to handle it".10

The Westminster Confession explicitly states that God does not derive glory from His creatures, but only "manifests His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them".10 The "qualification" for favor is found exclusively in the "secret counsel and good pleasure of His will".10 The Reformed doctrine of "Effectual Calling" teaches that God's grace is irresistible; it does not wait for the human to be "able to handle it," but rather enables the human to receive it by renewing the will.1

Theological Category

Reformed/Presbyterian Definition

Role of Human Agency

Nature of Grace

Irresistible and sovereign election

Determinative by the Holy Spirit

Qualification

Unconditional divine decree

None; excluded by Total Depravity

Glory of God

The "chief end" of all existence

Absolute; God is all-sufficient

Handling Favor

Perseverance and sanctification

A work of God's "free grace" in the elect

In this framework, "stealing the glory" is the ultimate impossibility for the elect and the ultimate tragedy for the reprobate. Because "all things come to pass immutably and infallibly" according to God's decree, the human is never the "first cause" of their own prosperity or righteousness.12 The Reformed scholar emphasizes "Providence"—the "upholding, directing, disposing, and governing" of all creatures and actions—ensuring that the glory for any "favor" received redounds only to the "praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy".10 The "handling" of favor is redefined as "sanctification," a process where the Spirit progressively subdues the believer's sin, making them a more fitting vessel for God's glory.10

The Wesleyan and Methodist Synthesis:

Prevenient Grace and Responsible Stewardship

John Wesley sought a middle path between the "bondage of the will" in Lutheranism/Calvinism and the "merit" of Catholicism. The Wesleyan scholar views the "favor of God" as universally available through "prevenient grace"—the grace that "goes before".14 This grace restores a measure of "free will" to every human, allowing them to either "accept or reject" the divine call.15

The "qualification" for further favor, in Wesley’s view, is the "faithful use" of the grace already given. Wesley’s theology of "The Good Steward" is central here. He argued that humans are "stewards of the Lord," entrusted with "time, talent, and treasure".16 The "handling" of favor is not just a psychological state but a practical economic and moral discipline. Wesley’s famous maxim—"Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can"—was his formula for handling the favor of material and spiritual blessing without letting it "steal the heart" from God.18

Theological Category

Wesleyan/Methodist Definition

Role of Human Agency

Nature of Grace

Prevenient, Justifying, and Sanctifying

Cooperation and "responsible" response

Qualification

Response to prevenient "light"

Synergistic use of spiritual gifts

Glory of God

Manifested in "Entire Sanctification"

Perfect love as the highest glory

Handling Favor

Stewardship of life as a divine trust

Accountability at the final judgment

For the Wesleyan, "stealing the glory" occurs when the "increase of riches" leads to a "decrease in the essence of religion".18 Wesley feared that Methodism would become a "form of religion without the power" if believers failed to practice radical stewardship.18 The "qualification" to "handle favor" is thus a persistent "watchfulness" and a commitment to "holiness of heart and life".19 In this tradition, favor is not a static gift but a dynamic relationship that requires "co-working" with the Holy Spirit.15


The Pentecostal and Charismatic Perspective:

Empowerment and the "Character Container"

The Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions bring a unique emphasis on the "anointing" and "Spirit-empowered discipleship".20 To the Charismatic scholar, the "favor of God" is often synonymous with "supernatural increase" and "material prosperity," which are seen as "divine blessings resulting from obedience to God".21 This tradition most directly addresses the user's specific qualification: the idea that one's "character" must be a "container" that can "handle" favor.

Prosperity theology teaches that "material wealth creation" is assisted by the Holy Spirit and governed by "laws of faith" and "divine reciprocity".21 Proponents like T.D. Jakes argue that "poverty is a barrier" and that affluence allows for a greater positive impact on society.21 However, this "increase" is contingent on "walking in humility" and "paying one’s tithes".21 The "handling" of favor is seen as a spiritual skill; if the believer's "ego" grows faster than their "character," they will "steal the glory" and the favor will become a snare rather than a blessing.21

Theological Category

Penteco-Charismatic Definition

Role of Human Agency

Nature of Grace

Power for flourishing and "dominion"

Active faith, confession, and obedience

Qualification

Faith, character, and "kingdom alignment"

Active pursuit of "spiritual increase"

Glory of God

Demonstrated in the believer's success

Success as a "witness" to God's power

Handling Favor

Management of "anointing" and "influence"

High degree of personal accountability

The Charismatic scholar insists that the "Holy Spirit is an indispensable factor" in wealth creation and that "material prosperity is meant to be used for God’s glory".21 The danger of "stealing the glory" is mitigated by the practice of "positive confession"—speaking what God has already spoken—which keeps the focus on God as the "sole architect" of prosperity.21 Stewardship, in this context, is about "hosting the Presence" of God and ensuring that the "outward increase" does not exceed the "inward maturity".20

Biblical Covenant Analysis: From the Shadows of Law to the Reality of Christ

To determine whether the "handling favor" qualification fits "historical biblical teaching," we must examine the architectural transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.

The Old Covenant: The Ministry of Condemnation

The Old Covenant (Mosaic) was characterized by "external commands" and "conditionality".23 It was a "working arrangement" between God and Israel where blessing was explicitly tied to performance: "If you diligently obey... the Lord your God will set you high... all these blessings will come upon you".24 This covenant "emphasized works—what we must do for God".23

In this system, "qualifying" for favor was the central problem. Because of "Total Depravity" (or the "flesh"), no one could keep the Law perfectly, meaning the Old Covenant primarily functioned as a "ministry of death" and a "ministry of condemnation".23 The "favor" under the Law was effectively a "wage" that no one could earn. The sacrifices were merely a "shadow" and an "annual reminder of sins," unable to "make perfect those who draw near".24

The New Covenant: The Ministry of the Spirit

The New Covenant, established by the death and resurrection of Christ, is based on a "different principle"—the principle of "Grace".23 It is an "eternal" and "new" arrangement where the "Law is written on the heart" and "sins are remembered no more".24 This covenant "emphasizes grace—what God has done for us through Christ".23

Under the New Covenant, the "qualification" for favor is no longer found in the human's "ability to handle it" or "obey the rules," but in the "Mediation of Christ".24 Christ is the one who "qualified" us to share in the inheritance of the saints (Col. 1:12). The "glory" of this covenant "surpasses and replaces" the glory of the old, much like the sun outshines the moon.23


Covenant Feature

Old Covenant (Mosaic)

New Covenant (Christ)

Regnant Principle

Law and Works

Grace and Faith 26

Mediation

Priests and Animal Sacrifices

Christ as High Priest 24

Result

Condemnation and Death

Righteousness and Life 23

Human Part

Performance/Obedience

Faith and Trust 26

Internal Work

Superficial change

Profound change by the Spirit 23

The New Covenant is a "last will and testament" that provides "only blessings" because Christ has already fulfilled the requirements on our behalf.26 Therefore, the New Testament scholar would argue that we don't "handle" favor to keep it; we are "kept by the power of God" through the favor.10 The "ministry of the Spirit" brings "faith, growth in righteousness, and the fruit of the Spirit" as a result of favor, not a qualification for it.26

The Paradox of "Handling" and "Stealing": A Theological Evaluation

The user's specific qualification—"Can you handle the favor of God without stealing the glory of God?"—is a modern formulation that sits at the intersection of several historical theological debates.

Is "Handling Favor" a Biblical Requirement?

From a strictly Lutheran or Reformed perspective, the answer is "No." To require a human to be "able to handle" grace before God gives it is to make God's grace dependent on human "character," which is a form of synergism or semi-Pelagianism.1 If grace is for the "spiritually bankrupt" and the "ungodly" (Rom. 4:5, 5:6), then the recipient is, by definition, unable to handle it on their own. The "glory" of God is most clearly seen when He gives favor to those who cannot handle it, and then He Himself provides the strength to sustain them.1

However, from a Wesleyan or Charismatic perspective, the answer is "Yes," but with a nuance. They argue that while the initial favor is unconditional, the ongoing stewardship of that favor requires "character".18 Jesus’ Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25) and the Parable of the Pounds (Luke 19) suggest that those who "handle" their master’s resources well are given more, while the "wicked, lazy servant" loses what he has.17 In this sense, "handling" favor is not a qualification for salvation but a prerequisite for increased responsibility and influence in the Kingdom.18

The Mechanism of "Stealing Glory"

"Stealing the glory" of God is a central theme in biblical stewardship teaching. God is described as a "jealous God" who will not share His glory with another (Isa. 42:8).22 Money, or "Mammon," is identified as the chief rival for God's glory.22 When a believer experiences "divine increase" but attributes it to their own "personality, IQ, or hard work," they have "adulterated" the message of grace.23

The "qualification" of "handling favor" is essentially a check against the "deceitfulness of wealth".28 Jesus warned that wealth can "choke the word, making it unfruitful".28 The "steward's heart" is one that recognizes God as the "owner" and themselves as merely the "manager".18 This shift from "owner" to "manager" is the primary mechanism that prevents the theft of glory. As long as the believer identifies as a manager, the "glory" for the estate's success naturally belongs to the Owner.



The Consensus of the Seven Scholars: A Narrative Synthesis

If we bring together a Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Charismatic, and Presbyterian scholar, their collective response to the user's inquiry would reveal a "unity in diversity" regarding the economy of grace.

The Source of Qualification

All seven scholars would agree that, in the most foundational sense, Christ is our only qualification for the favor of God.6 The "exact justice and rich grace of God" are both glorified in Christ's work.10 Without Christ, humanity is under the "curse of the law" and "divine wrath".11 Whether it is the Catholic "Infusion," the Lutheran "Imputation," or the Wesleyan "Prevenience," the source of favor is always the "free grace and love" of God.1

The Role of Character and Handling

The divergence occurs on the timing and function of human character.

  • The Lutheran and Presbyterian would emphasize that "Good Works" and "Character" are the fruit of favor. We don't "qualify" by handling; we "handle" because we have been qualified by Christ.10

  • The Catholic, Methodist, and Charismatic would emphasize that "Character" is the container that allows for the increase of favor. While the first grace is a gift, the "abundant life" and "greater works" require a vessel that is "holy and acceptable to God".2

The Danger of the "Handling" Assumption

The scholars would offer a collective warning: if the "Can you handle it?" question is used to make a person feel they must "work" to get God's attention, it has become a "ministry of condemnation".23 The New Covenant is not a "test of strength" but an "offer of rest".1 As the Lutheran scholar Andrew Preus notes, the certainty of grace must rest in the "objective and complete work of Christ's redemption," not in "how the human will chooses and responds".1

The Practicality of Stewardship

However, the Methodist and Charismatic scholars would insist that the "Handling" question is a vital "pastoral" check. Stewardship is "more about spiritual growth than dollars and cents".28 Teaching people to resist the "power of wealth to deceive" is essential to keeping the "door of their hearts open" to the Word.28 For them, "Handling favor" means maintaining a "life of stewardship" where God is the "prior claim" on everything.18

Summary Comparison of Traditions on Divine Favor


Tradition

Regnant Principle

View on "Qualification"

Function of "Handling"

Catholic

Disposition & Merit

Synergistic preparation 2

Meriting the increase of grace 1

Lutheran

Sola Fide

Passive reception of promise 1

Trusting in the Word in weakness 6

Calvinist

Soli Deo Gloria

Unconditional election 8

Manifesting God's attributes 10

Presbyterian

Covenant/Providence

Absolute decree of God 10

Sanctification as a work of grace 10

Methodist

Responsible Grace

Faithfully using prevenient grace 14

Avoiding the "deadly consequences of riches" 18

Pentecostal

Spiritual Power

Kingdom alignment/Faith 20

"Dominion" over soul and material 21

Charismatic

Hosting the Presence

Inward maturity/character 20

Expanding the "capacity" for anointing 21


Final Conclusion:

Integrating the "Handling" Assumption into New Covenant Theology

The assumption that "handling favor without stealing glory" is a qualification for God's favor is partially in agreement with historical biblical teaching, depending on which "level" of favor is being discussed.

  1. Initial Favor (Justification): The assumption is false. The only "qualification" is Christ's righteousness received by faith. Any requirement to "handle it" correctly would invalidate the "unmerited" nature of the Gospel.1

  2. Increased Favor (Sanctification/Influence): The assumption is true. Biblical stewardship principles and the Parables of the Talents/Pounds establish that God entrusts "true riches" to those who are "faithful in very little" (Luke 16:10-11). This is not about "earning" God's love, but about "qualifying" for higher levels of stewardship in His Kingdom.18

  3. The "Stealing Glory" Test: This is a universal biblical principle. Whether one is a Lutheran or a Charismatic, the "theft" of God's glory—attributing divine favor to human merit—is the root of spiritual pride and the "deceitfulness of wealth".10

The New Covenant does not abolish the need for stewardship; it repowers it. Instead of the "superficial change" of the Old Covenant, the New Covenant brings a "profound change" of the heart by the Holy Spirit.23 This change is the very "capacity" to handle favor. We do not develop this capacity on our own to "qualify" for God; rather, God gives us His favor, and that favor produces the character that can then "handle" even greater favor to the "praise of His glorious grace".10

Ultimately, the most nuanced scholar would conclude that the question "Can you handle it?" should not be a "threat" from the Law, but an "invitation" to the Spirit. It is a call to remain in a posture of "Fragrance"—exuding the life and love of Jesus—by "speaking the true message of Christianity" and not "adulterating" it with human pride.23 In the economy of the New Covenant, we "handle" the favor of God by constantly giving it away, ensuring that the "glory" never stops with us, but always returns to the Source. This is the "reasonable service" of the New Covenant believer: to be a "living sacrifice" whose mind is so renewed that they no longer "steal" glory, but "manifest" it in every area of life.30


Works cited

  1. Views on grace - The Lutheran Witness, accessed February 22, 2026, https://witness.lcms.org/2020/views-on-grace/

  2. THE THOMIST, accessed February 22, 2026, https://isidore.co/misc/Res%20pro%20Deo/Journals/The%20Thomist%20(1941-2024)/1971_Volume35_Number4.pdf

  3. Did the Jansenists deny the gratuity of grace? - Christianity Stack Exchange, accessed February 22, 2026, https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/83037/did-the-jansenists-deny-the-gratuity-of-grace

  4. I Will Seek Your Face Oh Lord Ricardo Sada Fernandez | PDF - Scribd, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.scribd.com/document/776409496/I-Will-Seek-Your-Face-Oh-Lord-Ricardo-Sada-Fernandez

  5. "A Comparison and Evaluation of the Theology of Luther with That of Calvin" | The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute, accessed February 22, 2026, https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/comparison-and-evaluation-theology-luther-calvin

  6. What are the differences between the Lutheran and the Calvinist theologies on the issue of salvation? - Quora, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-differences-between-the-Lutheran-and-the-Calvinist-theologies-on-the-issue-of-salvation

  7. Luther vs. Calvin on Justification and Election - Jack Kilcrease, accessed February 22, 2026, https://jackkilcrease.com/luther-vs-calvin-on-justification-and-election/

  8. Ex-catholic here : r/Lutheranism - Reddit, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.reddit.com/r/Lutheranism/comments/1i35dpe/excatholic_here/

  9. Lutheran vs. Reformed, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.faithlutherancorning.org/lutheran-vs-reformed

  10. The Westminster Confession of Faith - Ligonier Ministries, accessed February 22, 2026, https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/westminster-confession-faith

  11. Westminster Confession of Faith - Wikipedia, accessed February 22, 2026, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westminster_Confession_of_Faith

  12. God's Providence Summarized in The Westminster Confession - Tabletalk Magazine, accessed February 22, 2026, https://tabletalkmagazine.com/article/2021/02/gods-providence-summarized-in-the-westminster-confession/

  13. Protestantism - Wikipedia, accessed February 22, 2026, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism

  14. A Wesleyan understanding of grace | ResourceUMC, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/a-wesleyan-understanding-of-grace

  15. (PDF) THE WESLEYAN SYNTHESIS RECONSIDERED - ResearchGate, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357942346_THE_WESLEYAN_SYNTHESIS_RECONSIDERED

  16. The Good Steward - The Wesley Center Online: Sermon 51, accessed February 22, 2026, https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-51-the-good-steward/

  17. John Wesley's Earth Day Sermon? - United Methodist Church of Geneva, accessed February 22, 2026, https://genevaumc.org/john-wesleys-earth-day-sermon/

  18. A Wesleyan Perspective on Christian Stewardship, accessed February 22, 2026, https://generousstewards.com/a-wesleyan-perspective-on-christian-stewardship-by-bishop-kenneth-l-carter/

  19. Wesleyan Theological Journal - The Wesley Center Online, accessed February 22, 2026, https://wesley.nnu.edu/fileadmin/imported_site/wesleyjournal/1980-wtj-15-2.pdf

  20. Pentecostalism and Spirit-Empowered Discipleship - Religion & Liberty Online, accessed February 22, 2026, https://blog.acton.org/archives/61392-pentecostalism-stewardship-spirit-empowered-discipleship.html

  21. (PDF) Penteco/charismatic worldview of prosperity theology - ResearchGate, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309308403_Pentecocharismatic_worldview_of_prosperity_theology

  22. Stewardship for God's Glory - Good Sense Movement, accessed February 22, 2026, https://goodsensemovement.org/stewardship-for-gods-glory/

  23. The Old Covenant vs. The New Covenant - Dwell Community Church, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.dwellcc.org/teaching/6371/bible/2-corinthians/3/gary-delashmutt/2022/the-old-covenant-vs-the-new-covenant

  24. Old covenant vs new covenant—what are the differences? | GotQuestions.org, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.gotquestions.org/old-covenant-vs-new-covenant.html

  25. Old Covenant vs. New Covenant: Membership - Amy Mantravadi, accessed February 22, 2026, https://amymantravadi.com/2017/11/28/old-covenant-vs-new-covenant-membership/

  26. The Old Covenant and the New: An Argument on a Disputed Question | Modern Reformation, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.modernreformation.org/resources/articles/the-old-covenant-and-the-new-an-argument-on-a-disputed-question

  27. Old vs New Covenant Questions : r/TrueChristian - Reddit, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueChristian/comments/16b6ohc/old_vs_new_covenant_questions/

  28. What I Wish Every Church Leader Knew About Stewardship, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/blog/2019/10/3/what-i-wish-every-church-leader-knew-about-stewardship

  29. Creation Stewardship: For the Glory of God and the Good of our Children - Solas-cpc.org, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.solas-cpc.org/creation-stewardship-for-the-glory-of-god-and-the-good-of-our-children/

  30. The Westminster Confession of Faith - It's Usefulness on the Personal Level - Intellectually, accessed February 22, 2026, https://www.fpchurch.org.uk/publications/the-free-presbyterian-magazine/7488-2/november-2001/the-westminster-confession-of-faith-2-its-usefulness-on-the-personal-level-intellectuallyrev-h-m-cartwright-457/

Monday, January 5, 2026

Restoring the Shattered Image: Healing from Moral Injury and Relational Trauma

There is an old nursery rhyme many of us heard in childhood: “What are little boys made of? Slugs and snails and puppy-dogs' tails... But what are little girls made of? Sugar and spice and everything nice.”

While this sentiment is nostalgic, it is theologically incomplete. From a biblical perspective, innocence is not determined by gender. Scripture is clear that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). History and daily life confirm that humanity—men and women alike—struggles with a nature prone to error and brokenness. We are all in need of redemption.

Over the last year, my research into relational trauma has illuminated a painful reality: both men and women experience profound levels of verbal and sexual trauma. As I began working with clients navigating these deep waters, I discovered that verbal and sexual trauma are often inextricably linked, culminating in a wound known clinically as moral injury.

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Man was destined for society. His morality, therefore, was to be formed to this object. He was endowed with a sense of right and wrong merely relative to this. This sense is as much a part of his nature as the sense of hearing, seeing, feeling; it is the true foundation of morality.… The moral sense, or conscience, is as much a part of man as his leg or arm. It is given to all human beings in a stronger or weaker degree, as the force of members is given to them in a greater or lesser degree. It may be strengthened by exercise, as may any particular limb of the body.

(THOMAS JEFFERSON, 1787) 

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The Innate Moral Code and the Imago Dei (Image of God )

To understand the depth of this injury, we must understand how we are created. Research from the Yale Baby Lab suggests that human beings are not blank slates; rather, infants possess an innate "moral sense," demonstrating a rudimentary ability to distinguish between helpful and hindering behaviors and showing a preference for compassion (Bloom, 2013).

This scientific finding aligns seamlessly with biblical truth. Psalm 139 declares that God formed our "inward parts" in the womb (Psalm 139:13). In the Hebrew text, "inward parts" refers to the seat of our intellect, emotions, and moral constitution. Every child enters this world bearing the Imago Dei—the image of God—imprinted with a sense of worth, dignity, and a moral compass.

The Anatomy of Moral Injury

When a child—or an adult—is subjected to verbal or sexual trauma, that divine imprint is assaulted. Abuse causes the victim to question their fundamental value as a human being. Sexual trauma, including early exposure to pornography, can be particularly devastating, often leading to dissociation. This is a defense mechanism where one detaches from their "authentic self"—the moral and spiritual core God created—to survive the pain (Litz et al., 2009). The result is a fractured identity. The person no longer feels like God's beloved creation but rather an object of shame.

The Pathway to Restoration

For the Christian, the journey toward wholeness involves integrating professional therapeutic modalities with the transformative promises of Scripture. The good news is that healing from verbal and sexual abuse is entirely possible. However, we must offer a pastoral caveat: there is no standardized timeline for this process. While some may experience rapid breakthroughs, for many, restoration is a pilgrimage of months or years.

Because healing is a journey, the wounded soul requires a spiritual community that balances two essential elements: unconditional, non-judgmental acceptance and compassionate, gentle accountability.

Discernment in Community

Finding a safe spiritual home is critical. One must be discerning, as extreme environments can cause further harm:

  • Avoid Legalism: If a community emphasizes performance, rigid obedience, and unwavering allegiance to human leadership over the healing of the heart, it is an unsafe environment. Such dynamics often mirror the patterns of verbal abuse and shame, leading to retraumatization and a reactivation of feelings of worthlessness.

  • Avoid Theological Compromise: Conversely, one must be wary of communities that have abandoned biblical truth for cultural accommodation, particularly regarding sexual ethics. While these environments may initially feel "loving" due to their permissiveness, they can cause moral confusion. A church that validates behaviors contrary to God's design can reactivate moral injury, causing the survivor to question their standing as a child of God.

The False Refuge: Trauma and Addiction

When the authentic self is shattered by moral injury and the pain of dissociation becomes too great to bear, the human soul instinctively seeks relief and safety. It is in this dark valley that many find themselves ensnared by addiction. It is crucial to understand that, in the context of trauma, addiction is not merely a "bad habit" or a lack of willpower; it is often a desperate, survival-based coping mechanism (Maté, 2010).

When a person feels severed from their God-given identity—feeling worthless, dirty, or abandoned due to verbal or sexual trauma—substances or compulsive behaviors serve as an anesthetic. They temporarily silence the screaming of the moral injury. The addiction fills the void where the sense of self used to be.

However, God’s desire is not just for sobriety (the absence of the substance), but for recovery (the restoration of the person). God understands that the addiction was a misguided attempt to handle pain that no human should have to carry alone. The love of God seeks to penetrate past the coping mechanism to heal the wound underneath. Scripture promises that "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17).

God’s love heals the moral injury, slowly rebuilding the sense of worth that was stolen. As the believer begins to internalize their identity as a beloved child, the need for the chemical or behavioral anesthetic diminishes. The "false comforter" of addiction is replaced by the true Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who restores us to our right mind and our true self.

Conclusion: Anchored in the Father’s Love

Ultimately, the healing of the heart begins and ends in the love of God. His love is not merely a sentiment; it is a restoring force that reconciles us to Him through Jesus Christ. God desires to reintegrate your fragmented self, restoring the moral essence He knit together in the womb.

As the Apostle John wrote, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1). God’s love heals the dissociation, reminding us that we are not defined by what was done to us, but by who we are in Him. When we are healed from moral injury, the fear of authenticity vanishes. We are free to live as "lights of the world" (Matthew 5:14), fully present, fully loved, and fully restored.


In-Text Scripture List 

  • Romans 3:23 – "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

  • Psalm 139:13 – "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb."

  • 2 Corinthians 3:17 – "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

  • 1 John 3:1 – "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

  • Matthew 5:14 – "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."

  • Romans 2:15 – “They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them.”


References (APA 7)

Bloom, P. (2013). Just babies: The origins of good and evil. Crown.

Litz, B. T., Stein, N., Delaney, E., Lebowitz, L., Nash, W. P., Silva, C., & Maguen, S. (2009). Moral injury and moral repair in war veterans: A preliminary model and intervention strategy. Clinical Psychology Review, 29(8), 695–706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2009.07.003

Maté, G. (2010). In the realm of hungry ghosts: Close encounters with addiction. North Atlantic Books.


Biblical References (APA 7)

King James Version. (2017). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1769)

New International Version. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978)

English Standard Version Bible. (2001). Crossway Bibles.



Dan Dickerson © 2025





Saturday, January 3, 2026

Arizona's Cumulative Inflation Rate Since 2019

Arizona's minimum wage hike is tied to inflation. Hence, the "real" rate since the last significant hike (around 2020/2021) shows prices rose significantly (around 26-30% in Phoenix by mid-2025), meaning the wage increased to keep pace with the actual cost of living, not a fixed percentage; for instance, the wage hit $15.15 in 2026 due to roughly 3-4% annual inflation, but overall costs for families have jumped much higher, with real salaries actually falling despite nominal gains due to these high inflation periods.


Key Inflation Figures & Timelines (Phoenix Metro Area)

Since August 2019, Cumulative inflation reached about 30.2%, costing typical households an extra $1,525 monthly by mid-2025. By late 2024, a family would have needed to spend an additional $45,204 on the same goods and services in 2019, according to the Common Sense Institute. Recent Trends (Mid-2025): Inflation cooled significantly, with August 2025 recording only 1.4% headline inflation and 1.7% core inflation, but this followed years of much higher rates, such as the peak of 13% in August 2022, notes the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Minimum Wage Connection

Arizona's minimum wage automatically adjusts with inflation (CPI), meaning wage increases (like the jump to $15.15 in 2026) directly reflect these rising costs, ensuring a "real" increase in earnings relative to living expenses.

The "Real" Impact

Despite minimum wage increases keeping pace with the CPI, periods of high inflation (especially 2021-2023) eroded purchasing power; by early 2025, real wages in Arizona had fallen 6.6% from their April 2020 peak, meaning workers could buy less with their higher nominal wages, according to the Common Sense Institute.

Sources:

Common Sense Institute:

USA Facts: