I hope the moderators aren't put out by this post. I don't want a lot of discussion about this either. I just need to record, for myself, and let you all get to know a little better how my mind works.
A big reason I think "God does not make mistakes." is such a shallow mantra is that "God makes us all flawed by design." When they say, "God does not make mistakes." what they are really saying is that there is something terribly wrong with me and it is my doing, not God's." The mantra does not even begin to correspond to reality. Think about it. Whom do you know that is perfect in every way? Many are born with severe physical or mental problems in which they had absolutely not choice.
No, we are all flawed in some fashion and to some degree. Our flaws serve two purposes. At least they should. First, we should be humbled to know we are less than perfect. We should be less certain that we know all the answers and more willing to consider that we might be mistaken. Second, if we are aware that we, ourselves, are flawed and in need of sympathy, empathy, compassion, tolerance and help from others from time to time, we should be more able to be sympathetic, empathetic, compassionate, tolerant and helpful toward others when their needs arise.
It is sad, though, that so many, Christian and non-Christian, alike, are not able to learn those lessons.
Stevi