RE: Why are some of God's sometimes rude to others? (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Faith] >> General Faith >> FaithWalk - Protestants Only



Message

Cloak -> RE: Why are some of God's sometimes rude to others? (4/23/2008 8:52:48 AM)

Excellent post Liveloved!!!



Walker311 -> RE: Why are some of God's sometimes rude to others? (4/23/2008 6:24:15 PM)

I have posted for many years on this website and have seen it all. I am still suprised when occasionally someone decides to take a special interest in twisting my words or meaning and taking it to the extreme and while they are at it, enlisting others to jump on their anti-walker wagon.

Some people are really good at doing this. I am not!

The way that I deal with this is knowing that these personality types usually have very small brains and are most likely so ugly that they could snag lightning. Also, I don't take their comments personally because they do not know me. Only real live visible people can hurt me but most of these don't because they know that I am a nice person, have a big heart, and average size brain.



delete123 -> RE: Why are some of God's sometimes rude to others? (4/23/2008 6:43:49 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Walker311

I have posted for many years on this website and have seen it all. I am still suprised when occasionally someone decides to take a special interest in twisting my words or meaning and taking it to the extreme and while they are at it, enlisting others to jump on their anti-walker wagon.

Some people are really good at doing this. I am not!

The way that I deal with this is knowing that these personality types usually have very small brains and are most likely so ugly that they could snag lightning. Also, I don't take their comments personally because they do not know me. Only real live visible people can hurt me but most of these don't because they know that I am a nice person, have a big heart, and average size brain.

ROTFL!!!! [:D]
And boy do I know this so well! Anyhow I generally steer from saying small minds. I say how big is your world, lol!


O/P~
Yes many can be very "diligent" in their quest. I have learned after a long battle that many people who have closed minds, *have their minds made up!*
As the secular song goes: I have my mind mind up come on, Get your back up off the wall!
I have personally gone through a real trial with this and it has actually left me speechless, for the moment.
At the time I was a babe in Christ, eventhough I had asked or salvation like 8 yrs before that!
I was never given instructions, but believe the Holy Spirit has guided me since then. (long story)
I do not agree with the Holier than thou or pious attitudes, they put their pants on the same way as me and I treat everyone the same.
And if they don't like it, they can take them to the cleaners! [8D]

Posters I take with a grain of salt, because if they were face to face with me, most of those words would not be spewing from their mouths.
JMHO
CRH



LivingParadox -> RE: Why are some of God's sometimes rude to others? (4/23/2008 7:55:55 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Walker311

I have posted for many years on this website and have seen it all. I am still suprised when occasionally someone decides to take a special interest in twisting my words or meaning and taking it to the extreme and while they are at it, enlisting others to jump on their anti-walker wagon.

Some people are really good at doing this. I am not!

The way that I deal with this is knowing that these personality types usually have very small brains and are most likely so ugly that they could snag lightning. Also, I don't take their comments personally because they do not know me. Only real live visible people can hurt me but most of these don't because they know that I am a nice person, have a big heart, and average size brain.


[sm=eek.gif] Be WARY of the virtual people....

seriously, good post.



SonInMe1 -> RE: Why are some of God's sometimes rude to others? (4/23/2008 9:29:32 PM)

Everyone has a bad day.

Most if not everyone has their pet peeves and special areas they are tied to emotionally.

Lotsa different folks out there with different relationships to our Lord.

I worry more about the intellectual than the...less so. They can pervert the word much better.

Also, I guess this is one of my million pet peeves, I HATE being talked down to. Condescending attitudes drive me up the wall. The person talking all nice to you but daggers are behind the words.

Try this...honesty. Just tell me what you are thinking. I am a big boy. Sugar coatings are for children. Diplomacy is for politicians.

There are a hundred such threads about hurting other's feelings...and not too many about feelings NEEDING to be hurt. I don't know about the rest of you but I never mature without some pain. Growth ain't easy.

Shoot it straight. Keep the personal attacks out but keep the truth.



Memaw. -> RE: Why are some of God's sometimes rude to others? (4/24/2008 10:00:41 AM)

Someone else said it already, we tend to throw our personal feelings into the mix.

Sometimes we forget that we are only representatives of Christ, we are not Christ.
We tend to think of ourselves as much more important than we really are.[;)]

He does not need us to "defend" Him or His Word, He has set us as Ambassadors to reach the lost.

If we can't even reach our brothers and sisters within the body, how can we reach those outside?



SuspenseWriter -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/24/2008 3:24:08 PM)

quote:

On this very Forum my views have been described as "ignorant". I chose not to respond.


Wait until you get called a heretic based on where you go to church and what ministries you support. That's extra-special fun. [:D]

Seriously, I think a lot of the "rude" posters have a lot of pain going on in their lives; lashing out and belittling others may be a way to help them deal with that. I recall a quote from SF writer Gerald Kersh that seems to help me deal with their mocking and nastiness: "There are men one hates until you see, through a chink in their armor, the image of something nailed down and in torment." The word picture makes it easier for me to "pray for my accusers."



ta_mosquito -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/24/2008 3:37:03 PM)

I think some of the more... strict... posters (not the right word, but I can't come up with it at this time) are probably gifted with the spiritual gift of prophecy - seeing things as black and white with no gray, believing that truth is more important than feelings, etc.

There's a place in the body for the black-and-white, truth-over-feelings folks, just as there is for those who would rather comfort the sinner than confront them.

The trick for the prophet is to not do it in his own flesh, but learn how to speak the truth IN LOVE.



Little_1 -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/25/2008 1:19:12 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ta_mosquito

I think some of the more... strict... posters (not the right word, but I can't come up with it at this time) are probably gifted with the spiritual gift of prophecy - seeing things as black and white with no gray, believing that truth is more important than feelings, etc.

There's a place in the body for the black-and-white, truth-over-feelings folks, just as there is for those who would rather comfort the sinner than confront them.

The trick for the prophet is to not do it in his own flesh, but learn how to speak the truth IN LOVE.


A blend of what is underlined and in bold in above quote and we have it in balance. [sm=angel.gif]



SonInMe1 -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/25/2008 9:15:26 PM)

Speaking truth in love isn't enough. Its the reason why you speak in love....to reconcile them to God.

If its not about them and what is best for them, God, then its a selfish judgemental assessment.



LivingParadox -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/26/2008 11:31:04 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SonInMe1

Speaking truth in love isn't enough. Its the reason why you speak in love....to reconcile them to God.

If its not about them and what is best for them, God, then its a selfish judgemental assessment.


IMO, that is the same thing as Speaking the Truth in Love. It's all about their relationship with God. That is why some offenses you can overlook as long as they are not chronic in whatever causes the issue it ok to overlook. "Love covers a multitude of sins".

With that said, when we avoid, ignore or just are plain apathetic to speak into someone's life when they are putting things that DO and WILL separate them from the Spirit -- it is anything but love to remain silent -- maybe silence is easier but certainly not love. With truth being a sharp, double-edged sword does this mean we go in swinging taking no prisoners? Certainly not, as Love is patient, not RUDE, long-suffering, not easily angered, rejoicing in the truth.

Speaking Truth in Love is all about speaking into the hard things because the motivation is right -- to keep, restore or establish the person's relationship with God, not to scold or chastise. It's probably one of the hardest things we can do but also one of the most loving things.

I think maybe why Christians on this board can be rude (as I doubt they are always rude) is on the scales of balance in Truth versus Love get an extra portion of self that weighs down one side or the other.



kung_fu_sed -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/27/2008 2:51:30 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Little_1

The Word without the Spirit is dead! [/size]


Amen.



Liveloved -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/27/2008 3:26:54 PM)

Perhaps we should also look at the "other side" of the question:

Why are some of God's children easily offended?

Psalm 119:165 explains:

Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them.



SonInMe1 -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/27/2008 9:33:41 PM)

Some people need to be offended



Liveloved -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/28/2008 11:10:40 AM)

quote:

Some people need to be offended


I agree. It is one of the ways He gets at our self life. (for both participants)



Little_1 -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/28/2008 2:25:57 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: SonInMe1

Some people need to be offended


quote:

Little_1

Where in the Bible is this taught SonInMe1 and Liveloved (or anyone else who may know)? I'm confused by this answer. [sm=rollingeyes.gif]


I would have explained this a little differently - I don't agree that some people need to be offended but I do believe that some people need to hear the truth shared in a spirit of love and if that offends then that is between them and God. So long as the motive for sharing and the spirit in which the truth is shared is in agreement with God's Word and teaching then we cannot be held accountable if someone is offended.



SonInMe1 -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/29/2008 8:06:18 AM)

I think the young rich ruler was offended.

I think Jonah was offended.

The pharesees were certainly offended.

The Pharoh was offended.

I don't know about the perfect christians here but I get shook up by God fairly often. Embarassed. Stretched.

Most of maturity comes from being offended. By challengeing your preconcieved notions.



Liveloved -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/29/2008 9:26:01 AM)

quote:

Where in the Bible is this taught SonInMe1 and Liveloved (or anyone else who may know)? I'm confused by this answer.


Listen to the things Jesus said to others in the scriptures. Put yourself in the place of the one hearing and I think you will understand. Jesus spoke truth and truth offends. Truth often tells you that you are wrong. And watch what happens when a person is told that they are wrong.

We are not taught to give offense. But we are taught to speak truth and if you are a truth speaker, you will offend others. Of course, we can offend by being rude and insensitive. Jesus was not either. But if Jesus would return and live among men as He did before, I think most of the church would not know Him---and would think He was rude and insensitive too!

Does that help you understand?[:)]



Little_1 -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/29/2008 9:33:56 AM)

quote:


Some people need to be offended


quote:

Little_1

Where in the Bible is this taught ...... I'm confused by this answer. [sm=rollingeyes.gif]


I disagree that some people "need to be offended" but I do believe that some people need to be converted and by this I mean they need to hear the truth shared in a spirit of love and if that offends then that is between them and God (perhaps there are cultural differences in wording things here and this is what was meant by the original poster re: 'some people need to be offended' likewise). So long as the motive for sharing and the spirit in which the truth is shared is in agreement with God's Word and teaching then we cannot be held accountable if someone is offended and it is a Biblical fact that God's Word can offend others.

When we take offence (i.e. when the truth has been spoken in a spirit of love) we may become offended because of sin in our lives being uncovered and we may not like it, e.g. the rich young ruler. Jesus spoke to him in a spirit of love and he was offended - rightly pointed out in the 2 previous posts (plus other examples - thank you Liveloved and SonInMe).

However, some people speak the truth in a harsh and unloving way. They don't care about the good work it should produce - they use the Word of God as a weapon to 'get at' another and not as a weapon to uncover sin and lead the sinner towards repentance. Sometimes they are even so smug and self-satisfied that they think it is God's Word which has offended another because the Bible gives examples of the Word of God being offensive to some when in actual fact it is their sinful pride and arrogance which has been offensive. [>:]

This is why I originally posted this question. To hopefully have us search our hearts before posting i.e. to ensure we were posting for the right reasons. i.e. out of love and genuine concern and not to show off our knowledge and puff up our egos at the expense of hurting another. There is a genuine offence which comes from hearing the Word of God when spoken in love but there is also another offence which comes when someone deliberately wounds us using God's Word - the two are worlds apart.



Liveloved -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/29/2008 10:08:09 AM)

quote:

However, some people speak the truth in a harsh and unloving way.


But Little_1, I think this is exactly how Jesus was perceived. Why was He killed? He was hated because He spoke truth. And He was perceived as the one who was wrong. Our pride disguises what we are doing to ourselves. Or as the prophets say, The arrogance of your heart has deceived you. Yes, our arrogance keeps us from seeing ourselves rightly.

Defensiveness is the response of taking offense---pridefulness on display. Much of people's communication is a defensive response. It is self protective. If we give up ourselves to Jesus, no one can hurt us, we won't be offended or take offense. That is the place I want to be.

No, I do not want to hurt people with words. But I know I will. I do respond thoughtfully to others. But even thoughtful responses, godly responses give wounds.

A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. (Prov 17:10) He whose ear listens to life-giving reproof willl dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. (Prov 15:31-32) Reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. (Prov 9:8b-9) Stripes that wound scour away evil and strokes reach the innermost parts. (Prov 20:30) and Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Prov 27:6a).

Jesus tells us to be wise---and that determines how we listen.



Little_1 -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/29/2008 10:10:02 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved

quote:

However, some people speak the truth in a harsh and unloving way.


But Little_1, I think this is exactly how Jesus was perceived. Why was He killed? He was hated because He spoke truth. And He was perceived as the one who was wrong. Our pride disguises what we are doing to ourselves. Or as the prophets say, The arrogance of your heart has deceived you. Yes, our arrogance keeps us from seeing ourselves rightly.

Defensiveness is the response of taking offense---pridefulness on display. Much of people's communication is a defensive response. It is self protective. If we give up ourselves to Jesus, no one can hurt us, we won't be offended or take offense. That is the place I want to be.

No, I do not want to hurt people with words. But I know I will. I do respond thoughtfully to others. But even thoughtful responses, godly responses give wounds.

A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool. (Prov 17:10) He whose ear listens to life-giving reproof willl dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. (Prov 15:31-32) Reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. (Prov 9:8b-9) Stripes that wound scour away evil and strokes reach the innermost parts. (Prov 20:30) and Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Prov 27:6a).

Jesus tells us to be wise---and that determines how we listen.


Liveloved - I totally agree with you that the truth of God's Word will at times bring offence. I am not disputing that - I am in complete agreement and perhaps I should also have mentioned as you rightly point out that we will sometimes be on the receiving end of hurt ourselves for having done so. Jesus is a prime example as you suggest in your post above; however, the maturer the Christian, the less likely the Christian will be offended if they take the 'backlash' of someone's offence and therefore they will not wish to cause offence in response to suchlike themselves.

Thank you Liveloved and everyone else who has so far posted - by hearing others responses we can get a good balanced teaching.

I have learnt from others posts on this thread and am very grateful for this. I have a better understanding re: the offence of the Word of God; the correct spirit to share and respond with (i.e. love); that I cannot be responsible for other's offence to God's Word when my heart has been sincere before God in sharing His truth. Also, it is a mark of my Christian maturity how I respond to another's offence both towards me 'in the wrong attitude' and as a result of them speaking the truth 'in the right attitude' to me. This has been a learning curve for me. [:)]



Liveloved -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/29/2008 1:59:05 PM)

Little_1,

I think part of the problem is that we really do not know what LOVE is or does. Our culture has defined love in a way quite contrary to God's love and that cultural byproduct has permeated the church and alot of the teaching that goes on.

So we define love by what 'feels' good. Nor are we often willing to admit (be truthful) about that. We defend and cover up. The self defense is so deceitful.

Something I have done to actively seek to give up these self protective ways is to pray for God to bring hard messages to me from others. And you know, my phone rang and people came (out of the woodwork so to speak) in answer to my prayer. And then I had to be willing to hear, truly hear what they had to say, receive it and take it to the Lord. And not be offended. But to thank them for the truth they brought to me. Yes, it is painful. But it is only through pain that we die. And if we truly want to die to all of our deceptive, self loving ways, this is what is takes.

I'm so glad you began this discussion! It is so important. And I think we also need to remember that God has gifted all of us differently. Words that come from me and words that come from you can be and sound quite different yet both be from God. He has given you a different work to do than He's given to me. For many years I 'wanted to be someone different' than the person He made me to be. I've learned that He knows best. He's taken me through some very hard things to come to the acceptance, to live loved.

Anyway, bless you Little_1! I am glad we are sisters in Jesus, LL[:)]



frankman -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/29/2008 4:37:02 PM)

If I called somebody who preached a false doctrine a "DOG" on these forums, would you consider me as rude to others? Would you consider Paul as rude when he said this about those he didn`t agree with in Phil.3:2 "Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh."

[sm=pirate.gif] Now before we all start getting really rude at our enemies or one another, remember Paul also wrote Gal.6:1. "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." To one group he exercised intolerant toughness. To the other group he exercised loving gentleness and patients.



delete123 -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/29/2008 5:03:35 PM)

quote:


they use the Word of God as a weapon to 'get at' another and not as a weapon to uncover sin and lead the sinner towards repentance. Sometimes they are even so smug and self-satisfied that they think it is God's Word which has offended another because the Bible gives examples of the Word of God being offensive to some when in actual fact it is their sinful pride and arrogance which has been offensive. [>:]



This happened to me and believe me it wasn't good. The person were very legalistic and had the "perfect" christian family, etc....
Praise God I had enough sense to hang on to Him, because it was a terrible experience that I went through and it still sometimes leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

CRH



pstrdebi -> RE: Why are some of God's children sometimes rude to others? (4/29/2008 5:16:05 PM)

I have often wondered this myself. It is a very sad fact... and it happens often, on or off-line. The truth is this... maturity. Not in age... but in Christ. Those who have been down many roads of the Christian walk are less likely to be rude. Not in all cases... but most.

And with the internet... there is that whole annonymity (sp?) thing. Some folks will lash out because there is no "real" person to hold them accountable.

Just remember... don't remark to those who are rude... or if you do, be kind and remember that you are the bigger person when you don't retaliate. You have to know that you are right between you and God only.

much love... Pastor debi



Page: <<   < prev  1 [2] 3   next >   >>



Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.5 ANSI