Believers being bullied by other brothers and sisters in Christ.

CoreyD · May 19, 2025

JO Standing firm in Jesus said:
Recently, I have been hearing experiences from other believers in Churches of being bullied with God's word and by aggressive verbal abuse
from their brothers and sisters in Christ. God's house is supposed to be full of God's love and prayer for those who are not coping with things within their lives.
Jesus is the prince of peace not the prince of hardness and from what I hear these brothers and sisters in Christ are weary because of the bulling. The Bible verses that come to mind are, Matthew 11:28-30 which says, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke and learn from Me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." The other verse is from Isaish 33:2 which says, "Lord, be gracious to us. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble." Worthwhile thinking about??

"God's house is supposed to be full of God's love".
Have you considered the import of that statement?
What is the alternative to God's house?

To illustrate...
Say you wanted to find a peaceful loving family to raise an orphaned child, and his pet kitten.
You see a billboard...

That's just what you are looking for.
However, when you get to the place, you find the opposite - a child screaming as her hair is being pulled; mess on the floor; the caregiver yapping on the phone...
You'd turn around and head somewhere else, wouldn't you. You would not recommend that place to anyone.

Should it be different where religion is concerned?
We have no reason to think so. Jesus gave a clear warning, and it's one we can all relate to, because it makes sense.
Matthew 7:16, 17

16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

As the saying goes... If it walks like a duck, and cracks like a duck... It is a duck.
Jesus showed how his followers will be identified. John 13:34, 35

The reality is, the Church (body) of Christ, is well along from 33 CE.
Thus, the body has grown, to what is described at Ephesians 4:3, and James 3:17, 18
Also, we must be realistic, and not be oblivious to Satan's schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11-15;

Mike from NJ · May 19, 2025

This is not some new phenomenon. We can point to many instances where two subsections of Christianity have been in disagreement and instead of hashing it out lovingly and thoughtfully it has crossed the line into hate (and sometimes violence).

It's notable that those who feel they are in the right can occasionally feel bullying or worse is warranted, but would balk at the idea of bullying or worse towards them. This is best typified in the story of Thomas More. He persecuted those Christian he felt were in error, but suddenly felt differently when the religious climate shifted and he was the one on the receiving end of the persecution.

Like with all disagreements that can be settled calmly, we should speak out against bullying by A against B no matter if we're most in alignment with A, B, or C.

timothyu · May 19, 2025

Mike from NJ said:
This is not some new phenomenon. We can point to many instances where two subsections of Christianity have been in disagreement and instead of hashing it out lovingly and thoughtfully it has crossed the line into hate (and sometimes violence).

1st and 2nd centuries for a start

stevevw · May 19, 2025

JO Standing firm in Jesus said:
Recently, I have been hearing experiences from other believers in Churches of being bullied with God's word and by aggressive verbal abuse
from their brothers and sisters in Christ. God's house is supposed to be full of God's love and prayer for those who are not coping with things within their lives.
Jesus is the prince of peace not the prince of hardness and from what I hear these brothers and sisters in Christ are weary because of the bulling. The Bible verses that come to mind are, Matthew 11:28-30 which says, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke and learn from Me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." The other verse is from Isaish 33:2 which says, "Lord, be gracious to us. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble." Worthwhile thinking about??

Unfortunately I think this is a sign of the modern times and the culture wars that have crept into the church. Which is another way of saying the secularism or social norms have crept into the church.

As society has gradually withdrawn Gods importance from the public square and social; norms the void has been filled with political ideologies masking as the new religion of critical social justice which can influence Christians and a churches political and ideological position within society.

Whereas Christs church and the examples of Christians is the complete opposite. Christ never got political and in fact submitted to the hate and ideology and showed a pure and humble disposition. It wasn't about tit for tat, reacting, winning political points or shaming them. Just a good example that no one could lay blame on him for doing anything that could be charged against Christ.

This was what actually shamed some and highlighted Christ above the political and ideological world. Peter says similar that the obedient and pure example of a servant can make the unjust master see their evil ways and turn to God without a word being spoken.

But at the same time this will also provoke those who hate Christ as at the end of the day this is a spiritual battle of Christ and antiChrist. Christ warns that the wolves would come into the church and divide people. Even folling the elect.

timothyu · May 20, 2025

stevevw said:
as the new religion of critical social justice which can influence Christians

Remember when social justice was loving all, including enemy, as self?

stevevw · May 20, 2025

timothyu said:
Remember when social justice was loving all, including enemy, as self?

Yeah, the differences were not so fixated on. When there was disagreement it was seen as a difference within a common humanity. I believe this was grounded in the idea that we were made in Gods image. So being different was all part of being human rather than what seems today as being a almost different species of human.

The unifying basis of our humanity which was grounded in God and a first principle value of humans beyond race, gender, sex, or whatever other identity we have now created as the measuure of human worth.

Godcrazy · Jun 24, 2025

Gregory Thompson said:
I have been thinking of this too. I don't think the church was ever like that. (what various people think it should be)

Jesus had it right, if you want peace and quiet, go pray on the mountain.

Unfortunately i have personally experienced it a lot in different churches. Being ignored too or not invited despite everyone was talking about it in front of me. And after. When I complained they first contacted me after the event. Being cold or ignoring is big. Or stay with your little clicks. I fear church for many become a social club. Not really as it was intended. No fire, no repentance.. no prayer meetings.. no revivals.. no holy living.. no born again.. no miracles..
well it starts with repentance.
I believe the real issue is that. A shell but lack the fire.
contentment. no pressing God. no fire. no change of hearts.
living in sin tolerating sin
I believe exactly that is the reason. UNFORTUNATELY
well, Jesus said look at the fruits
what is the fruit.
Materialism money and contentment have made a huge damage. Apathy. I do not think christians in other countries where they are persecuted have these problems. It shows the point

Godcrazy · Jun 24, 2025

Maria Billingsley said:
It is a misconception that a brick and mortar building filled with individuals with varying degrees of love is called a house of God. That very "House "is actually within each individual through His Holy Spirit. Some are true followers of Jesus Christ of Nazareth displaying His fruits. At the other end of the spectrum there are those who are Christian in name only displaying little or no fruits of His Spirit.
That being said, it is the function of a true Church, those in His flock, to help one focus on growing in the likeness of Jesus Christ of Nazareth in love through, edification, fellowship, mutual support and service.
Blessings

you talk after my heart sista. we have to be born again. the fruit!

Gregory Thompson · Jun 24, 2025

Godcrazy said:
Unfortunately i have personally experienced it a lot in different churches. Being ignored too or not invited despite everyone was talking about it in front of me. And after. When I complained they first contacted me after the event. Being cold or ignoring is big. Or stay with your little clicks. I fear church for many become a social club. Not really as it was intended. No fire, no repentance.. no prayer meetings.. no revivals.. no holy living.. no born again.. no miracles..
well it starts with repentance.
I believe the real issue is that. A shell but lack the fire.
contentment. no pressing God. no fire. no change of hearts.
living in sin tolerating sin
I believe exactly that is the reason. UNFORTUNATELY
well, Jesus said look at the fruits
what is the fruit.
Materialism money and contentment have made a huge damage. Apathy. I do not think christians in other countries where they are persecuted have these problems. It shows the point

The main divide is that people in this society tend to participate in an unknowing form of occultism all the time. So once they join a church, they read the bible and are taught from the bible, but still apply these occultisms in Christian format.

Repentance is the main solution, but continual repentance with spiritual transformation endlessly is the way to go.

In the above, I don't expect it to change anytime soon, and leave it to God since that is His department.

:crossrc:

Godcrazy · Jun 24, 2025

Gregory Thompson said:
The main divide is that people in this society tend to participate in an unknowing form of occultism all the time. So once they join a church, they read the bible and are taught from the bible, but still apply these occultisms in Christian format.

Repentance is the main solution, but continual repentance with spiritual transformation endlessly is the way to go.

In the above, I don't expect it to change anytime soon, and leave it to God since that is His department.

that`s the way, talk about sin, repentance, holiness =transformation Holy Spirit and all the rest

Blaise N · Jun 24, 2025

JO Standing firm in Jesus said:
Recently, I have been hearing experiences from other believers in Churches of being bullied with God's word and by aggressive verbal abuse
from their brothers and sisters in Christ. God's house is supposed to be full of God's love and prayer for those who are not coping with things within their lives.
Jesus is the prince of peace not the prince of hardness and from what I hear these brothers and sisters in Christ are weary because of the bulling. The Bible verses that come to mind are, Matthew 11:28-30 which says, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke and learn from Me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." The other verse is from Isaish 33:2 which says, "Lord, be gracious to us. Be our strength every morning and our salvation in time of trouble." Worthwhile thinking about??

The Bible and Jesus himself firmly and very seriously states many times that ANY believer who hates his brother( fellow Christian) is no real believer. True believers always love other believers no matter what.God condemns bullying among believers.

jmldn2 · 2025-07-07T19:26:13-0500

One of the reasons I no longer attend brick and mortar "churches." 1. Churches too busy with rules and regulations. 2. Churches in dire need of humility and compassion. 3. Churches too concern in growing huge, monster buildings instead of growing huge loving hearts.

Godcrazy · 2025-07-07T21:03:30-0500

jmldn2 said:
One of the reasons I no longer attend brick and mortar "churches." 1. Churches too busy with rules and regulations. 2. Churches in dire need of humility and compassion. 3. Churches too concern in growing huge, monster buildings instead of growing huge loving hearts.

I know what you mean. feel free to talk to me

David Lamb · 2025-07-08T02:05:08-0500

jmldn2 said:
One of the reasons I no longer attend brick and mortar "churches." 1. Churches too busy with rules and regulations. 2. Churches in dire need of humility and compassion. 3. Churches too concern in growing huge, monster buildings instead of growing huge loving hearts.

That's a huge generalisation. Of the many local churches in the world, I am sure that by no means all are too busy with rules and regulations, in dire need of humility and compassion, and too concern in growing huge, monster buildings instead of growing huge loving hearts. Since becoming a Christian over 50 years ago now,, I have been a member of five local churches, and although none of them was perfect (what church is?), none could be rightly described as being over-concerned with rules and regulations, lacking humility and compassion, or growing huge, monster buildings. In fact 3 of them didn't have a building of their own, but held services in hired premises such as schools or community centres.

CoreyD · 2025-07-08T08:12:34-0500

David Lamb said:
That's a huge generalisation. Of the many local churches in the world, I am sure that by no means all are too busy with rules and regulations, in dire need of humility and compassion, and too concern in growing huge, monster buildings instead of growing huge loving hearts. Since becoming a Christian over 50 years ago now,, I have been a member of five local churches, and although none of them was perfect (what church is?), none could be rightly described as being over-concerned with rules and regulations, lacking humility and compassion, or growing huge, monster buildings. In fact 3 of them didn't have a building of their own, but held services in hired premises such as schools or community centres.

You are right David.
I think while it is a fact people meet disappointment, it is an extreme to just decide to lump everything in one basket, and throw it into a dump.

It evidently amounts to an excuse really - a case of taking the easy way.
In other words, it allows us to "do our own thing" without feeling the need to make the effort to look for what Jesus points us to - his Church - not a building, but an organized people who meet in buildings, and not literal tents.

I know it calls for work, and a great deal of effort, but that's exactly what Jesus said is involved. and to throw our hands up, in frustration, is to do what Jesus expects of most people.
At Luke 13:24, Jesus said, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able."

timothyu · 2025-07-08T11:06:50-0500

David Lamb said:
In fact 3 of them didn't have a building of their own, but held services in hired premises such as schools or community centres.

One must take differing nations into consideration. Some are more 'entrepreneurial' than others as a means of self-employment. But holding to the rules of the religion vs the teachings of Jesus, has become universal.

When you stop to consider Jesus' prime enemy and main adversary was the clergy and religion of the day, there may be some present day bewilderment. He chastised them for putting themselves and their rules between the people and God (whom He tried to bring back to the people in a personal relationship), Yet the later gentile church did the same as the rabbis of the day, furthering God from the people and inserting themselves and rules between the people and God Himself, once again following the traditional human ways of power and government. Would it strike anyone as odd to be sitting in pews expecting to hear Jesus' truth from clergy who would be condemning themselves if they were honest about who Jesus struggled with, and why??

Believers being bullied by other brothers and sisters in Christ.

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