to the first, it's not that i'm trying to hurry God, it's that i'm trying to keep myself from the apathy of doing nothing. to the second, that really depends on what you mean by "romanticism" because i know of 3.
(1) where a man courts a woman (or vice versa) which is not what i'm doing,
(2) the process of making something sound better in your head in order to like it better (ie: you're romantacising this job) which i am not doing and
(3) is God's undying love, leading Him to woo everyone, including those who are evil, and His command for us to do the same, which is exactly what i'm trying to do. and to the third, i'm 16.
so you're saying i, and all Christians, have the seed of God in us, which grows and prospers the closer we get to God, and as it grows, our love will as well?
thank you for sharing these stories, ed. the second one led me to Romans 12:9-21-9 Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honor one another above yourselves.
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,
serving the LORD.
12 Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.
13 Share with God's people who are in need.
Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you;
bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16 Live in harmony with one another.
Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.
Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge,
my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"
says the LORD.
20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. which really goes along with what i've been having troubles with.