Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
How COVID Messaging Perverts Love

How COVID Messaging Perverts Love

I received this email recently:

Hello, Dr. Jennings.

I have been dealing with a situation concerning a member of my leadership team. These folks have chosen to agree with and follow all of the government’s COVID mandates here in [our state], which, in of itself, is ok with me. I know they have thought things through and have based their decision on what they believe is best for their family.

Here’s the kicker:  The message that is often repeated to me, from this family, essentially goes something like this:“You choosing to exercise your freedoms by not wearing a mask, not limiting attendance, not requiring social distancing, and not enforcing the government’s mandates, violates my liberties and takes away my freedom to choose if it’s safe for me to attend church.”

My spirit reflexively rebels against what is being said here. However, I have not been able to clearly understand what is happening. I want to reject coercive and manipulative methods, and I believe there are tons of accusations as well. For about six months now, I have been praying over this and searching for an answer to what is going on that makes sense.

How would you describe what is taking place here and, given your experience, how would you respond? Recently, I tend to freeze up.

Thank you for your work and ministry. I am having so much fun incorporating the truth about God’s character and design law into my teaching.


Thank you for your email and for thinking for yourself—for not allowing the views, opinions, and allegations of others to keep you from forming your conclusions. God has given each of us our own individuality, the ability to reason and think, and the mature are those who have exercised those abilities and have developed by practice the ability to discern right from wrong (Hebrews 5:14).

God’s design for human beings is that we grow up into the full stature of Christ, intelligent and competent sons and daughters of God (Ephesians 4:15). It is God’s purpose that we develop our individual abilities to think, reason, and act. We choose for ourselves the right over the wrong because we can actually tell the difference and prefer the right over the wrong. We experience, via the work of the Holy Spirit, ever-increasing godly traits of character—“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22, 23 NIV84).

When the Holy Spirit has His way in our lives, we develop self-control, the ability to think and to act in harmony with God and God’s design laws for life, which are the principles of truth, love, and liberty. We present the truth in love and then leave others free to come to their own conclusions. We have the capacity as mature Christians to discern, to think, to comprehend, to differentiate, to critically reason and, thus, make choices in harmony with God’s design, methods, and purposes.

Satan hates this. He wants to destroy our capacity for self-governance and mature decision-making. Satan’s goal is to enslave the minds of people in order to take away liberty, to destroy the capacity to reason, think, and act, to make us pawns and puppets controlled by him.

How does Satan achieve this? It is always through avenues that inflame fear and selfishness. The more intense our fear, the greater is our desire to protect self with an ever-increasing willingness to comply with rules and authority in order to be safe—and the more willing we are to compel others in order to protect ourselves.

Surrendering our judgment to others, to authorities, in order to feel safe—to avoid confrontation, legal trouble, punishment, or be considered a troublemaker—harms the mind, undermines thinking, and damages the image of God in us. Yet millions do this every day just so they can feel less fear, whether fear of the government or fear of social rejection—being an outcast, being labelled an anarchist, heretic, racist, sexist, super-spreader, anti-vaxxer, or conspiracy nut. Fear leads to compliance, to surrendering to the authorities, the majority, the accepted narrative.

Yeonmi Park, a North Korean defector who now lives in the United States, tells how her mind was programmed, how her ability to think and reason was obstructed by the practices of the communist regime. She says,

In North Korea I literally believed that my Dear Leader [Kim Jong-un] was starving. He’s the fattest guy – how can anyone believe that? And then somebody showed me a photo and said “Look at him, he’s the fattest guy. Other people are all thin.” And I was like, “Oh my God, why did I not notice that he was fat?” Because I never learned how to think critically. [1]

She goes on to say, “That is what is happening in America. People see things but they’ve just completely lost the ability to think critically.”

How is it that she thought her leader was starving? Because her teachers told her that he was; her party leaders told her that he was. She was trained to believe what she was told despite the evidence. She was trained to believe based on the authority of the person in office. If anyone did question the party line in North Korea, they were punished and would eventually be killed. Dissenting opinion was not to be tolerated.

This is exactly how the church of the Dark Ages operated. The masses were told to believe merely because the priest said it, the bishop said it, the pope said it. The church was the authority; their word was not to be questioned. It didn’t matter what the evidence, facts, or truth revealed. And if anyone did question, they were punished, ostracized, and eventually killed.

These exact methods are being employed in America today. People are being told what to think not how to think. The school systems have indoctrinated generations on philosophies that are contradictory to reality, requiring the suspension of critical reason to believe, just like the church of the Dark Ages did. And now, the various authorities give proclamations and people are incapable of thinking through the claims and discerning the reality for themselves. “The CDC says, Dr. so and so says, the NIH says, the World Health Organization says, CNN says, MSNBC says, Fox News says.” People are being taught to believe solely on the weight of authority of office, on who said it, and have lost the capacity to critically reason, to weigh evidences. And then they are threatened: If you don’t obey, if you don’t wear the mask, social distance, you will be fined, have your business license revoked, or even be imprisoned. Don’t question, don’t think—obey! The image of God in people is being destroyed, and fear is rising!

Love and truth are the divine powers that demolish Satan’s strongholds. Only truth can destroy lies. Only love can overcome fear and selfishness.

God is love, and the foundational law of heaven is love. Jesus said:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments (Matthew 22:37–40 NIV84).

God’s law is the law of love. Every law of God is an expression of love. This love is functional, operational, and constant. It goes far beyond mere feelings. It is not sentiment. Love doesn’t take the easy road. Love does the hard work, the painful work, the work of healing and of redemption. Love suffers. Love risks. Love sacrifices. Ultimately, love conquers—but “‘not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6 NIV84). It is love operating in freedom that frees the heart from fear!

Very few people know God’s love. Instead, most have accepted a counterfeit, a self-soothing, self-protecting, fear-avoiding, risk-avoiding, and safety-promoting fraud built on fear—fear of loss, fear of rejection, or fear of failure—by which the removal of this corrosive fear makes one feel so safe, feel so good, that they consider the loss of freedom to be an act of love.

One of the greatest perversions of God’s kingdom is Satan’s replacement of God’s love with fear and selfishness and then getting people to seek to relieve their fear and selfishness by manipulating others, controlling others, and exploiting others and calling that a godly love.

This is what we are seeing in your friends’ viewpoints, using the claim of love as a way to incite guilt in you, to accuse you, to manipulate you, to get you and others to conform your behavior in ways that make them feel safe. It is a lie. It is a fraud. It is not love. It is fear and selfishness.

The way of love is always the way of truth. For the same Spirit of love is the Spirit of truth. Truth and love originate in the heart of God and will be the primary motivators of all who are on God’s team.

But the proponents of the “if you love, you will comply—you will wear a mask, stop worshiping together, stop visiting your beloved grandmother in her assisted living facility, no longer minister to your dying aunt in hospice care, stop your 12-step meetings, prevent children from going to school, and by all means get an experimental injection with no long-term safety data”—yes, the proponents of this lie about love are the same ones who want to restrict liberties, use coercive powers to force their way, and obstruct open and honest dialogue, prevent any truth, facts, or evidences that refute their views from coming into the open. So they censor, deplatform, accuse, and malign.

These same twisted motives are what led Saul of Tarsus to use the power of the state to imprison the worshipers of Jesus, the Dark Ages church leaders to burn people at the stake, and the Pharisees to crucify Christ. It was all about saving lives, saving souls, and stopping the spread of soul-destroying heresies—just as the high priest who led the Sanhedrin to crucify Christ said, “It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (John 11:50 NIV84).

But after Paul’s conversion, after he rejected the methods of this world, the methods of fear and selfishness, and was reborn with a heart operating on the principles of God, he wrote that God wants His people to present the truth in love and that every person is to be persuaded fully in their own minds (Ephesians 4:15; Romans 14:5). This is the way of God. This is the way of righteousness. This is the way of our King, who did not use power and might to force Satan to comply but left His ancient enemy free. Jesus doesn’t win by compelling power, by force, by manipulation. Jesus wins by truth and love. The way of truth and love is the long road, the painful road, the sacrificing road, but it is the only road to eternal life.

The methods employed by these so-called “love-promoters” are not the methods of God; they are the methods of Satan, the methods of coercion, deceit, and restriction of liberties, and they expose those who use these methods as frauds. They may be ignorant of what they are doing, they may be well-intentioned, but it doesn’t make what they are doing right—and it won’t stop the damage that occurs to hearts and minds of all who practice such perverse methods.

Love stands firm; it presents the truth and leaves others free. It is time for love to rule!

So a way to respond to your friend is to say: “I respect your individuality, your ability to think and to choose for yourself. I would never try to dictate the decisions you must make for your life. In love, I will share facts, evidences, and my concerns for your welfare. But at the end of the day, I respect you as a child of God and will leave you free—because I love you. Do you love me enough to show me the same respect? Are your actions motivated by your love for me or your fear for yourself? So, if you think there is a healthier way, win me with the evidence, with truth, but don’t try to manipulate me with the false allegation that my choices over my health restrict your liberties. Love simply doesn’t work that way.”


[1] https://www.foxnews.com/us/north-korean-defector-ivy-league-nuts

 

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 10

I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

B. L.M., North Plains, OR, USA

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA