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NASB | James 5:9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 5:9 Do not complain against one another, believers, so that you will not be judged [for it]. Look! The Judge is standing right at the door. |
Bible Question: I was a member of the church where I was saved for 11-1/2 years, until I moved out of the area and changed churches. The original pastor retired and a new pastor was chosen. The person who was the new pastor of my old church was voted out after I left and I was not involved in the voting, although, I would have voted him out also. That pastor sometimes visits my new church and always gives me a big hug and is very friendly toward me. This does not sit well with my spirit, because I do not agree with a lot of his teachings and his ways (a lot of people felt he was a false prophet). My question is this: Should I continue to be friendly toward him, or should I avoid him, or should I let him know how I feel inside? We are commanded to love our neighbor, so I don't know what is right. I feel as if I am living a lie and I don't like that feeling, but maybe I need to put my feelings aside and show him love anyway? What is right? |
Bible Answer: Hi, Praise be to God! Not only are we commanded to love our neighbors, but we are commanded to love also our enemies! Basically there's nothing that a Christian can do that is not out of love! Yet knowing all Scripture that deals with love and patience does not limit our behavior in Christ. Paul tells us to search everything and to keep what is good... well, we know that what comes from God is good... so already you have a point of reference! Now, is this person continuing to preach to you, on an individual basis, trying to sway your spirit? In your exchanges, have you made known to him that you have a different opinion? Is his teaching wrong according to Scripture or is it just a "feeling" that you have? Are the differences based on interpretation of Scripture, practices based on Scripture, or are the differences diametrically opposed because he offers a Gospel that is not Christ's Gospel? What ever you do... be slow to speak, and slower even to anger (James 1:19); PRAY, constantly and continuously! Seek to keep a brother or sister in the mix so that your encounters do not become a test of wills (ego-centered); share your understandings of his offerings and do not just point out errors but seek to mend the raptures... always keep the Holy Bible as reference so that your communication does not abound on personal views or interpretations... God Bless! Angel |