Bible Question:
In New Creatures note # 92815, an article was quoted concerning the Church. Anyone who has been in this world, and not totally blind to The Church, for any length of time, they would have to agree. Perhaps I am at the very least, a little overly self judgmental, but I can’t help but to get the feeling that though I quote scripture in its purest form, I am abrasive to many. I have very little, or no patience when it comes to deception where the Living Word of God is concerned. Although I will not be swayed in the Word or on the meaning thereof, I would like to hear some honest and sincere spiritual thoughts of those whom have taken the time to read my posts. Not on the subject matter thereof, nor the views of scriptural interpretation, but on my method of my delivery. Brothers in Christ George |
Bible Answer: George, all of us need to be mindful of "our method of delivery" as you put it. We all live in glass houses, after all. I believe you already know where you have been abrasive. It is possible to stand firm in the faith without being dogmatic about it and without insulting other users. Tim Moran (Morant61) has proved this in more than 3,000 posts on this forum. He is one of my heroes, and you would do yourself no harm to study his posts. They are informative, well researched, biblical, polite, courteous, and gracious. Tim never compromises on his convictions, but when he does disagree he never forgets to disagree agreeably. Time after time I've seen him keep his cool under intense fire. This is not to say that there aren't a number of other regular forum users who conduct themselves well on this forum. There certainly are, and I have enormous respect and admiration for these people even though we may disagree from time to time on certain points of Christian belief and practice. I happen to believe that one earns his welcome and respect on this forum. It doesn't come quickly or easily, and it never comes by being insulting or abrasive. If a brother in Christ clearly walks in error, he needs to be shown the truth firmly and lovingly, but the last thing on earth he needs is to be attacked as if he were an incompetent, hard-headed moron, even though from our perspective he may appear to be just that. But, as I've already observed, we all of us live in glass houses. When I post my belief, for example, that man is a sinner in need of a Savior and that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, there are always those waiting in the wing to pounce upon it not only to attempt to tear my belief to bits, but to attack me for being feeble minded to believe any such thing. ..... When the Pharisees [John 8] brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery, He did not jump down her throat and hurl insults at her. His first response was an invitation to the Pharisees that whoever among them was without sin cast the first stone at this woman. Later He assured the woman that He did not condemn her and told her to go and sin no more. This passage of Scripture has much to teach us about how to conduct ourselves as Christians on this forum and off. Your question designed to poll users on their feelings about your methods would seem to indicate that you are not only concerned about the impact you have on the forum but presumably that you are willing to make some efforts to improve your performance. If my assessment is true, I certainly applaud your attitude and extend every good wish for your success. I believe you are sincere, George, and I'm convinced that you have a great deal of biblical knowledge and insight to share. But we all -- count me in as chief -- have room to grow in the manner in which we share it. Blessings and grace to you. --Hank |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Bible general Archive 2 | Author | ||
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confused-catholic | ||
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Got it!!! | ||
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isavegas@yahoo.com | ||
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kenwood | ||
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Timsgurl | ||
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Timsgurl | ||
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GeorJoy | ||
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Hank | ||
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GeorJoy | ||
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Hank | ||
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tocurious | ||
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critty | ||
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gab |