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[eleos1954]

Hey everyone, I really could use your advice right now. I have some problems that have been bothering me off and on for a while now.

1. How do I deal with other Christians who believe in things against traditional Christianity and against what the Bible says, especially if a Christian friend believes that way? I tend to feel angry and upset at posts supporting those things and basically insulting what typical Christians (like me) believe. I hate seeing people allowing themselves to believe in lies and being very bold about it. I also hate feeling angry at friends...what's even worse is that when something they say upsets me, I can't stop thinking about it for hours and it really messes up my day. Even if I forgive them I can't forget about it, so the negative thoughts sometimes come back again later. I want to be more positive and caring, not angry and bitter. I want to help these people see the truth but I'm afraid of causing conflict and destroying friendships. I've prayed for them but I still worry about them.

2. How can I stop being curious? I'm tired of having so many times when I look at my News Feed, threads that I see with recent posts, and all the posts in a thread and end up getting angry and upset by at least one thing I see there.

I know that spending less time on CF would help, but it's hard for me to do that when my life is pretty boring and I don't have much to distract me from the negative thoughts...can you please pray for me? I really need to improve.

Focus on the heavenly ...

Colossians 3:2

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Everyone is suppose to study His Word for themselves ... each are responsible for what they believe ... people put forth what they believe and why they believe it ... so should you.

In the end ... each of us are responsible for what we believe.

Perhaps take a break from it all ... for a while.

May the Lord bring you peace to your mind. Amen

 

[pdudgeon]

Whenever you see or hear something that isn't right, look it up; (either in the Bible or on line) and then put the truth in your mind and in your heart instead of the lie.

The truth acts like a huge flashlight. it illumines everything it touches and brings faith, hope, and understanding where before there was only darkness. Give it a try!

 

[alsughasoughaiuyfygh]

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[pdudgeon]

Rene, if your post above was to me, I'm not offended. I was just answering the OP, and I hadn't read your post until after I responded.

 

[alsughasoughaiuyfygh]

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[Lost4words]

Sometimes, these forums can be very disheartening when you see the attacks levelled at our beliefs etc. But, you must not take it to heart. Easily said than done, i know.

Its all about trying to be humble. Let the things that annoy you roll off of you shoulders like water off of a ducks back. Pray for those that cause you heartache.

Be strong in your beliefs and faith. Remember that Jesus had a lot to be angry about during His passion yet he never raised His voice or lifted a finger towards anyone.

CF is a wonderful place to be. So many lovely Christians on here. Those that annoy you need your prayers. You also need to walk away from those that anger and dishearten you.

May God bless and protect you my friend

 

[Sophrosyne]

I remember chuckling at a poster I saw online over 20 years ago that had a guy typing at a computer essentially equating that he was not coming to bed because someone was wrong on the internet.
When it comes to politics and religion this forum is rife with differing opinions and I believe that quite often there is evangelizing going on of which some may even be paid for such actions online to promote certain views/beliefs.
The people that are truly seeking the truth often are the ones silent in the bleachers watching the arguing/debating not the ones participating which often contain evangelizers and defenders (apologists).
All in all God doesn't need defending and not all are called to defend the faith it takes a certain personality to do so.
If you are upset at people because they are wrong, then it is not about God, but rather about you in the argument.

 

[Aussie Pete]

Hey everyone, I really could use your advice right now. I have some problems that have been bothering me off and on for a while now.

1. How do I deal with other Christians who believe in things against traditional Christianity and against what the Bible says, especially if a Christian friend believes that way? I tend to feel angry and upset at posts supporting those things and basically insulting what typical Christians (like me) believe. I hate seeing people allowing themselves to believe in lies and being very bold about it. I also hate feeling angry at friends...what's even worse is that when something they say upsets me, I can't stop thinking about it for hours and it really messes up my day. Even if I forgive them I can't forget about it, so the negative thoughts sometimes come back again later. I want to be more positive and caring, not angry and bitter. I want to help these people see the truth but I'm afraid of causing conflict and destroying friendships. I've prayed for them but I still worry about them.

2. How can I stop being curious? I'm tired of having so many times when I look at my News Feed, threads that I see with recent posts, and all the posts in a thread and end up getting angry and upset by at least one thing I see there.

I know that spending less time on CF would help, but it's hard for me to do that when my life is pretty boring and I don't have much to distract me from the negative thoughts...can you please pray for me? I really need to improve.

When God forgives, He forgets. We can do no less. Can you forgive from your heart? - Christian Life Frankston will help you enormously.
Be careful judging others. There is "judging" as in a court of law. That is not our place. Then there is judging as in a doctor's diagnosis or a coach's advice. That is acceptable.

No condemnation here, but you are suffering from pride. That is why you get angry. Deal with the pride and the anger will evaporate. Humbling yourself involves confessing your inability. Pride is a terrible thing. Everyone suffers from it. Pride is ingrained in the old nature. As in everything, we need Lord Jesus to be our humility. Ask Him to live out His life in you and through you.
On the positive side, pray for those that you disagree with. Ask God to bless them and reveal the truth to them.

 

[Greengardener]

I agree with the answers above, and keep in mind that we all learn at different rates. It might be that most or all of us are lacking somewhere in a perfect understanding. And even if/when we all come to a perfect knowledge on this side, it may still look a bit different between us because of the place God has us. For instance, hands appear to understand things differently than ears, for instance, and servants see things differently than teachers. We are ALL called to serve each other, so humility is the key. Don't be afraid to keep shining your light. As one brother put it, as your light is shining, make sure it's not a spotlight in the eyes of the other, but shine it in the direction you want them to go. That lines up with how God uses His word to light up our path. I think the one-step-back position where you can let go of the anger and leave the person to make up their own mind is healthy - after all, God made that person in His image and that person has to be convinced from the inside. We never have the privilege of changing anyone's mind. Our role is only to shine the light of truth. You aren't alone in this struggle, Friend.