I decided to pick up my message bible this afternoon for a quick read. Without really thinking about it, I opened up a random page and this is what was written there...
So, I put the book down and I went hmmmm, whoops! and then I picked it up again, it fell open at this page...
Ok so this is my confession. Many times I have looked at other people's posts and judged them on what they have said... I have presumed that if they did not fit in with my narrow view of theology they are wrong, and perhaps even are not real Christians!
Many times I have tut tutted at those who in the course of a thread have become angry or insulting or have not managed to maintain a "perfect" composure. I thought "shame on them, I would never be so judgemental!"
So I apologise; for judging, for condeming and for ridiculing others. For presuming that I somehow hold the keys to heaven and can decide who gets in and who doesnt. How true it is that we point the finger to escape detection ourselves!
God is a lord of compassion and grace, he has wider arms than I realise. he embraces many that I in my blinkered vision would not even think knew where to look for him never mind what he is like! He sees the heart, not the surface. I defer all judgement to him...
I am very very sorry. I dont know what else to say.
except perhaps thankyou Lord for calling me to task about this!
Blessings upon you all
xx Am xx
Welcome with open arms fellow believers who dont see things the way you do. And dont jump all over then every time they do or say something you dont agree with--even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their won history to deal with. Treat them gently.
For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he cannot eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, bight assume all Christians should be vegetariens and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldnt it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didnt eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interferring with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help. Romans 14:1-3
So, I put the book down and I went hmmmm, whoops! and then I picked it up again, it fell open at this page...
Those people are on a dark spiral downward. But if you think that leaves you on the high ground where you can point your finger at others, think again. Every time you criticize someone you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgemental criticizm of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors. But God isnt so easily diverted. He sees right through all such smoke screens and holds you to what you've done.
You didnt think, did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard? Or did you think that because he's such a nice God, he'd let you off the hook? Better think that one through from the beginning. God is kind, but hi's not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life change. Romans 2:1-3
Ok so this is my confession. Many times I have looked at other people's posts and judged them on what they have said... I have presumed that if they did not fit in with my narrow view of theology they are wrong, and perhaps even are not real Christians!
Many times I have tut tutted at those who in the course of a thread have become angry or insulting or have not managed to maintain a "perfect" composure. I thought "shame on them, I would never be so judgemental!"
So I apologise; for judging, for condeming and for ridiculing others. For presuming that I somehow hold the keys to heaven and can decide who gets in and who doesnt. How true it is that we point the finger to escape detection ourselves!
God is a lord of compassion and grace, he has wider arms than I realise. he embraces many that I in my blinkered vision would not even think knew where to look for him never mind what he is like! He sees the heart, not the surface. I defer all judgement to him...
I am very very sorry. I dont know what else to say.
except perhaps thankyou Lord for calling me to task about this!
Blessings upon you all
xx Am xx