78 replies to this topic

[HollyRock]

We are of the family of God and should behave as such. We are sister's and brother's just talking and sharing with each other. So let's be more kind in our postings to one another when we disagree with another's point of view. We don't have to have heated debates with each other, just calm and peaceful discussions, filled with love, humility, and kindness. Ego has no place here.

[justaname]

Agreed.

[BiggAndyy]

I disagree. Error must be vigorously fought against and the truth defended with equal vigor.

[Shep]

We are of the family of God and should behave as such. We are sister's and brother's just talking and sharing with each other. So let's be more kind in our postings to one another when we disagree with another's point of view. We don't have to have heated debates with each other, just calm and peaceful discussions, filled with love, humility, and kindness. Ego has no place here.

Good post and I totally agree..we should remember that the Spirit of God dwells within each of us, and as we speak,read .... the Spirit of God also reads, and hears ...He grieves if we grieve..and hurts if we hurt because of the nastiness of some post...We can actually disagree and not call people names..the best defense is the Word of God, not the words of man...For the Truth is from God, not our own opinions of the Truth, twisted to fit our opinions..Just let the Truth from God be your defense...it never accomplishes anything calling people names,except to prevent others from reading the post of the name callers...I skip post from the ones I know are nasty to others, why should I care what their opinions are, if they can't be Christ like in behaviour...and quite frankly some have very good sound truths, but not worth me reading their post as it offends me to see the attitudes..

[Shirley]

Good post and I totally agree..we should remember that the Spirit of God dwells within each of us, and as we speak,read .... the Spirit of God also reads, and hears ...He grieves if we grieve..and hurts if we hurt because of the nastiness of some post...We can actually disagree and not call people names..the best defense is the Word of God, not the words of man...For the Truth is from God, not our own opinions of the Truth, twisted to fit our opinions..Just let the Truth from God be your defense...it never accomplishes anything calling people names,except to prevent others from reading the post of the name callers...I skip post from the ones I know are nasty to others, why should I care what their opinions are, if they can't be Christ like in behaviour...and quite frankly some have very good sound truths, but not worth me reading their post as it offends me to see the attitudes..

I have been feeling the same way and have stopped reading a lot. If I don't see a loving, caring attitude then it hurts even if the person talking is absolutely correct.

[mcorba]

Glad to see others agree that we should approach other views
With courtesy and respect.

(null)

[aspen]

We are of the family of God and should behave as such. We are sister's and brother's just talking and sharing with each other. So let's be more kind in our postings to one another when we disagree with another's point of view. We don't have to have heated debates with each other, just calm and peaceful discussions, filled with love, humility, and kindness. Ego has no place here.

I agree and I like your questions.

[HollyRock]

I agree and I like your questions.

Thank you Aspen, I am so glad that you agree that we need to make that change...I like your questions too. Be Blessed my friend.

Glad to see others agree that we should approach other views
With courtesy and respect.

(null)

AMEN !!!

[HollyRock]

I have been feeling the same way and have stopped reading a lot. If I don't see a loving, caring attitude then it hurts even if the person talking is absolutely correct.

I AM BELIEVING THAT THINGS WILL CHANGE AND THAT LOVE AND RESPECT WILL PREVAIL.

[Shirley]

I AM BELIEVING THAT THINGS WILL CHANGE AND THAT LOVE AND RESPECT WILL PREVAIL.

I am smiling and believing also! HalleluYAH!

[HollyRock]

I am smiling and believing also! HalleluYAH!

GLORY !!!

[rockytopva]

I disagree. Error must be vigorously fought against and the truth defended with equal vigor.

We have had enough John Calvin's in history thank you!

[BiggAndyy]

Sorry if you value feeling good over knowing the truth.

(null)

[aspen]

I accept you apology.

[HammerStone]

Thank you.

As the webmaster/founder, thank you. What I wish (and some members get this) is that we could understand disagreeing with the person is distinct from personally attacking the person. Trust me, I've seen it all from complete insanity (I talk to Jesus and have gave me a new Bible [which when I post this new Bible it really sounds like the KJV redux]) to really smart people who are essentially right but don't know how to talk to someone.

I can think of very few experiences where someone talked to someone in this manner:

---------------------------------
Christian #1: You're completely wrong, moron, and you show that you are a spiritual baby when it comes to understanding the higher things of God!!! Repent of your sin!!!!!!!!!!!

Christian #2: Thank you, kind sir, for showing me the error of my ways, now I shall go and repent in dust and ashes. Can we become friends so I can go make fun of other sinners like myself?
---------------------------------

Okay so maybe that contains hyperbole, but I've seen some folks who almost have this line of thinking in how they approach other Christians.

I think we have to understand that there are closed-hand (or close-fisted) issues and then open hand issues. I backed away, as a personal example, from some of my Rapture rhetoric because I realized ticking people off who believed in the Rapture gets me nowhere if I want to affect them.

I absolutely think you can be nice while standing up to core tenants, convictions, and doctrine of Christianity. But, let's go to the Word of God on the matter:

Paul tells us this when speaking to outsiders:

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

We have to keep in mind that our conduct here, just as in public in real life, is essentially on a stage. Arguably, your conduct here is even more important because a historical record is kept in the form of your discussion. It's not just a discussion between you and another person. It includes the community as a whole and people who may be looking at Christianity for the first time. There's nothing wrong (and even something admirable) about standing up to a heresey, but other eyes are on you.

It's a good idea to self-question if we're representing Jesus or not in our reply.

[aspen]

True. The truth does not need to be delivered with a sledgehammer.

[HollyRock]

It takes less energy to be kind than to be unkind.

[mcorba]

Thank you, Hammerstone.

Those on the site who are aggressive or talk like they have a personal phone line to God tend to alienate others as they show so little respect for other opinions.



(null)

Edited by mcorba, 13 January 2012 - 07:08 PM.

[HollyRock]

Thank you, Hammerstone.

Those on the site who are aggressive or talk like they have a personal phone line to God tend to alienate others as they show so little respect for other opinions.



(null)

AMEN !!!

True. The truth does not need to be delivered with a sledgehammer.

AMEN !!!

Thank you.

As the webmaster/founder, thank you. What I wish (and some members get this) is that we could understand disagreeing with the person is distinct from personally attacking the person. Trust me, I've seen it all from complete insanity (I talk to Jesus and have gave me a new Bible [which when I post this new Bible it really sounds like the KJV redux]) to really smart people who are essentially right but don't know how to talk to someone.

I can think of very few experiences where someone talked to someone in this manner:

---------------------------------
Christian #1: You're completely wrong, moron, and you show that you are a spiritual baby when it comes to understanding the higher things of God!!! Repent of your sin!!!!!!!!!!!

Christian #2: Thank you, kind sir, for showing me the error of my ways, now I shall go and repent in dust and ashes. Can we become friends so I can go make fun of other sinners like myself?
---------------------------------

Okay so maybe that contains hyperbole, but I've seen some folks who almost have this line of thinking in how they approach other Christians.

I think we have to understand that there are closed-hand (or close-fisted) issues and then open hand issues. I backed away, as a personal example, from some of my Rapture rhetoric because I realized ticking people off who believed in the Rapture gets me nowhere if I want to affect them.

I absolutely think you can be nice while standing up to core tenants, convictions, and doctrine of Christianity. But, let's go to the Word of God on the matter:

Paul tells us this when speaking to outsiders:

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

We have to keep in mind that our conduct here, just as in public in real life, is essentially on a stage. Arguably, your conduct here is even more important because a historical record is kept in the form of your discussion. It's not just a discussion between you and another person. It includes the community as a whole and people who may be looking at Christianity for the first time. There's nothing wrong (and even something admirable) about standing up to a heresey, but other eyes are on you.

It's a good idea to self-question if we're representing Jesus or not in our reply.

Love that !!!

[jiggyfly]

Thank you, Hammerstone.

Those on the site who are aggressive or talk like they have a personal phone line to God tend to alienate others as they show so little respect for other opinions.



(null)

Very true, and we all have opinions and should be able to share them with others expressing their dislike or disagreement without insults.
One of the things I like about CB is that for the most part allows everyone to share their opinions (within reason).
We have had some in the past that seem to have trouble responding without insults and it is why they are no longer here.

[Rach]

I disagree. Error must be vigorously fought against and the truth defended with equal vigor.

Yes, this is true, but I think the point of the post is that it should be, and is, possible to do this with a loving attitude!
Spurgeon once said:
"Defend the Bible? I would as soon defend a lion! Unchain it and it will defend itself."
Really, we need to keep in mind that what we defend is God and His word...which is capable of defending itself with truth....it will shine through! So, we present and persuade and pray....and let God do the rest!

[HollyRock]

Yes, this is true, but I think the point of the post is that it should be, and is, possible to do this with a loving attitude!
Spurgeon once said:
"Defend the Bible? I would as soon defend a lion! Unchain it and it will defend itself."
Really, we need to keep in mind that what we defend is God and His word...which is capable of defending itself with truth....it will shine through! So, we present and persuade and pray....and let God do the rest!

I love that !!!

[aspen]

The truth needs no defense, especially from human beings who are harfly expects on the subject

Edited by aspen, 14 January 2012 - 02:28 PM.

[Vashti]

Ego has no place here...

the other hand, are often accused of ego and agresie people who defend the truth in a civilized way - accused of lack of love, lack of tolerance, etc.

I do not understand what right here are demanding "respect for other opinions" - for how much other I have respect?

Do I respect the view of "the intercession of the dead," "divine mother" and the like?

If I don't see a loving, caring attitude then it hurts even if the person talking is absolutely correct.

and you did not thought that if someone says "absolutely correct" he just doing it out of love - because how do you think of why someone would just spoke?

Do not you think that is rather abundant blessings just do not need of love, because simply them spend around. While actually need to love, indeed, to tell the truth, which most do not like ...

Biggandyy - Amen to both of your posts.

[rockytopva]

Sorry if you value feeling good over knowing the truth.

(null)

How many souls have you won in your state of melancholy? And feeling good is a product of knowing truth! When it is indeed truth! The Gospel interpreted is 'Good news!'

Stong's interpretation of Gospel (euaggelion):


1) a reward for good tidings
2) good tidings
a) the glad tidings of the kingdom of God soon to be set up, and subsequently also of Jesus the Messiah, the founder of this kingdom. After the death of Christ, the term comprises also the preaching of (concerning) Jesus Christ as having suffered death on the cross to procure eternal salvation for the men in the kingdom of God, but as restored to life and exalted to the right hand of God in heaven, thence to return in majesty to consummate the kingdom of God... the glad tidings of salvation through Christ
c) the proclamation of the grace of God manifest and pledged in Christ
d) the gospel
e) as the messianic rank of Jesus was proved by his words, his deeds, and his death, the narrative of the sayings, deeds, and death of Jesus Christ came to be called the gospel or glad tidings

Edited by rockytopva, 14 January 2012 - 08:01 PM.

[Son of Man]

Being a respecter of persons is a sin against God. Respect God only. Listen to what Christ said about His own mother and brothers. Who did He respect?
Mark 3
32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You."
33 But He answered them, saying, "Who is My mother, or My brothers?"
34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers!
35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother."

The flattering tongue of man has saved no one. Nor has it straightened out the twisted beliefs or benefited those who are perishing and won't hear the truth. What is more important to you? "The souls that are headed towards the valley of slaughter" or the warm fuzzy feeling you get when wallowing in flattery?




.

[Son of Man]

James 2
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

[Rach]

Being a respecter of persons is a sin against God. Respect God only. Listen to what Christ said about His own mother and brothers. Who did He respect?
Mark 3
32 And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, "Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You."
33 But He answered them, saying, "Who is My mother, or My brothers?"
34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, "Here are My mother and My brothers!
35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother."

The flattering tongue of man has saved no one. Nor has it straightened out the twisted beliefs or benefited those who are perishing and won't hear the truth. What is more important to you? "The souls that are headed towards the valley of slaughter" or the warm fuzzy feeling you get when wallowing in flattery?

I would think that having respect for other people is both demanded of us, and also a sign of our devotion to Christ. We are told to love others, and to do unto them as we would have them do unto us. It may turn out to be difficult to 'love' others while deep down we seethe with disrespect for them. There are particular people that God calls us to respect...like our Pastors. We are to be under their authority. Also we are to behave well in our workplace...everywhere really, showing dedication and appreciation for others...all ways in which we are actually showing our respect for God through our respect for others.
I think respect is not the issue here. I respect many Christian people...I read their books and admire the way God is using them to bring and clarify His wonderful work. I think the real problem is devotion. We should respect people, but never be devoted to them. Our devotion and worship should always be to God. It's through this worship and devotion that we are able to show respect and love to others.

James 2
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. (James 2:1-9 ESV)

This is not a passage telling us to disrespect others. It is saying that we are all one in Christ, and we are not to show partiality or deference towards those who are more wealthy.

[BiggAndyy]

Melancholy? So the truth is depressing to you? I find it exhilerating and free!

(null)

[Son of Man]

I would think that having respect for other people is both demanded of us, and also a sign of our devotion to Christ. We are told to love others, and to do unto them as we would have them do unto us.

Then you would be thinking dead wrong. I would want someone to stop me anyway they can if they saw me headed for a fall off of a cliff.

Tell me how Christ respected Peter in this scripture?

Matthew 16
23 But he turned , and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

It is better to truly Love them and tell them the truth: at all costs.

James 2
1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.






.

Edited by Son of Man, 14 January 2012 - 10:24 PM.