Does a sinful person receive inspiration?

[Brian]

Originally Posted by Tex

D&C 59:21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.

JS-H 1:25 I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.

D&C 121: 37 [W]hen we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

Neal Maxwell, 1988: "We offend God not only by our ingratitude, brothers and sisters, but also by not confessing His competent hand in bringing to pass His transcending purposes on the earth."

Gordon Hinckley, 1978: "[A]kin to these are those vicious men and women who exploit children for pornographic purposes. I wish only to say that no man who is a professed follower of Christ and no man who is a professed member of this church can engage in such practices without offending God and repudiating the teachings of his Son."

Boyd Packer, 1981: "To willfully destroy a marriage, either your own or that of another couple, is to offend our God."

These are very Old Testament-ish statements. Such milk is very useful. But it's not the end game. I used to believe in a such a God. I no longer do.

What does it mean to offended? Sister Swenson doesn't notice Sister Lillenstough's nice center piece at home making, commenting only upon Sister Jillrup's clearly inferior centerpiece. Sister Lillenstough is miffed and dosen't talk to Sister Swenson for 3 weeks.

Can you fathom a God who could do this?
I cannot have faith in a God who is not unconditionally loving and unconditionally reaching out to me at all times. Regardless of anything.

Those prone to "offend" God the most are the very ones who need his help the most. Jesus came to heal the sick, not hang out with the pious.