I just finished reading The God Who Smokes by (the ironically-named) Timothy J Stoner. After writing in great length about all of Jesus’ talk (throughout His earthly ministry) of upcoming judgment, Stoner notes:

It’s kind of surprising that Jesus is still seen as this essentially kind, gentle, nonconfrontational, tolerant peace-loving guy. It just goes to show how incredibly appealing this man was. He could say the most offensive, intolerant, even brutal things, and people would keep following Him. It was evident to them that He spoke out of love, not hatred. It was obvious to all that He had no cruel private ax to grind. He did not relish the prospect of punishment. Though He occasionally became furious with His enemies, He did not despise them. The crowd could overlook and forgive His harsh and critical words because this amazing compassion poured out of Him like an overturned vat of perfumed oil.

They tolerated it for almost thirty-six months.

So what does it say about the way I present the truth if I can’t get tolerated for thirty-six seconds?