The Bible when interpreted by separate and individual scholars seems to introduce the reader to two distinct gods. One is a demanding authority who has His standards and will not compromise even one of them in terms of what he expects and demands of persons who would follow Him or, in the behavior they are allowed to exhibit. Anyone who would ask of Him His blessing and acceptance must follow closely and expect punishment for missing the mark or falling short of expectations. The followers of this” Payday Someday” interpretation of scripture would insist that the Hebrew Scriptures are replete with prophesies of doom and disaster for those who purposely choose to disregard God’s instructions or suggestions, but milk and honey and riches and success unlimited are promised to those who follow and obey. If an individual or a group are to live the Good life and be found in His good graces they must first and always “Fear God”. Fearing the displeasure of their creator and the punishment that will surely follow disobedience is the only prophylactic to bad behavior or false belief and the only effective motive for people to limit themselves to good and proper conduct.
A second view of the central meaning of Biblical teaching is that God is good and so good that He cannot have even a trace of evil in His character. God created man and his world because He wanted to have companionship and for those companions to have a world to enjoy .When His creation had been completed, He declared it to be good. Those who follow this interpretation of scripture believe that God is man’s best possible friend because God blesses and cares for all creation, but especially for man because man is His greatest creation, and that He created all that He did because it is His nature to create. These believe that God loves man and the world more than we love ourselves. This theology then presents God as the lover and preserver of man and as being eternally involved in supporting mans efforts to live successfully by giving the rules of behavior that lead to successful living. This view presents God as one who motivates right belief and good behavior with rewards rather than punishments for behavior unacceptable.
Tough love is blasphemy. God is always good, He cannot do evil even for a good cause. God is smart enough to find a good way to achieve His goals and does not need to nor does he in fact cause pain or hurt to achieve those desired goals.