Some people think that all biblical stories fit together into a whole that reveals what God is like. But trying to fit all these stories together in that way leaves us with a God who resembles humans who suffer from multiple personality disorder.

What would it mean to replace the judgmental images of God we carry with us with the thought that God sees through our weaknesses and attends to what we can be? What would it mean to think that instead of harping on each failure, God is able to experience delight at the baby steps we take toward developing our talents and showing concern for others?