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NASB | John 12:32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 12:32 "And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews]." |
Bible Question (short): Would a gentle spirit work? |
Question (full): I have an idea what the person meant by that, and I would like to try it out. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 3 that God has made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. We are ministers, and we have to minister to people in need. The person who quoted that statement had already exposed his need. There is also a possibility that he felt his need. How should we have ministered to him? We gave him the word, and every jot and tittle of what we said was correct. But we said it in a manner which he did not find acceptable. Could we have said it with a different spirit? Is it possible he would have accepted the truth if it had been presented with a gentler spirit? Now, here’s the test. Can you accept the suggestion presented here? I do not wish to make this a complicated issue by going into the exact meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:6. I hope we do not discuss Law and Grace at this time. Let us say that the person referred improperly to this statement (though I do believe that there are elements of it that would apply). I have observed that the experts on this forum have a certain rough way of dealing with people who are weak or wrong, and even when they seem to be either. In turn these people often say, as this person said, “I believe it has come time to part ways”. That means they are leaving, and they do. Is there no room on this forum for those who are weak? Is there not opportunity for us to come forward “in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth” ? Is it possible that people would accept the truth if it is been presented with a gentler spirit? Now, here is the test again. I trust it is being presented with a gentle spirit. Can you accept the suggestion presented here? |