The work of controllers is very un-God-like.  God gives us unconditional love.  God’s love is what gave us freedom in the first place.  This is freedom to disobey Him and go against His desires for us.  It is freedom to eat from the other tree.  It is freedom to go our own way and walk away from His ways.  It is freedom to break one, or even all, of the commandments.  It is freedom to be a prodigal.  It is freedom to kill His servants and to crucify His Son.  The forces of darkness are into control, domination, and manipulation.  God is not into control!  Neither are the godly!  Love persuades but does not control!

Father, sometimes we pray prayers that ask You to act contrary to Your nature.  Forgive us for not discerning who You are and thus discerning who we should be.  You have sent us the Icon of Yourself, incarnate in Jesus of Nazareth.  To know Him is to know Your great love.  Thank You for Your indescribable Gift!