Threats/Warnings

If you stop and give it some thought, God never threatens; the Devil never warns. We sometimes use the words threat and warning interchangeably, but I can see a principle that suggests a clear distinction. Threats are used to get people to do what is in our best interest. Warnings are issued to get people to do what is in their best interest. In other words, threats seek to preserve power whereas warnings serve to protect people from danger.

Satan desires for us to view God's loving warnings as mean-spirited threats, but he is incorrect. According to popular belief a warning is a great arresting statement of God's, inspired by His love and patience. The evidence of this is found in the many commands that are coupled with phrases.

In loving relationships, people warn one another of the inevitable consequences of foolish behavior. In unhealthy relationships, people threaten one another with punishment if they fail to live up to unreasonable demands. As we interact with others, it is a good ideas to consider the nature of our counsel and commands. Do we actually use ultimatums to preserve our own well-being? Or do we lovingly warn others to keep them from harm? Warnings are an expression of love, threats are an expression of control.