A Wondering of mine...

[sparklebuns]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and have been reading everyone's comments for the last few days. Occasionally, I will comment as well, but I have been wondering something...

This forum is designed to encourage one another in our faith, correct? Why is it then that so many people seem to be saying things in such a harsh way to one another? I realize that some of us may differ in minor things, but isn't this forum to help one another and encourage each other?

I hope as a newbie I haven't said too much...if you feel convicted by what I have said, maybe you might try to offer something a little less abrasive next time.

Much love to all of my brothers and sisters in Christ! I hope to get to know some of you very well...

Jael Anne aka Sparklebuns

 

[£amb]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and have been reading everyone's comments for the last few days. Occasionally, I will comment as well, but I have been wondering something...

This forum is designed to encourage one another in our faith, correct? Why is it then that so many people seem to be saying things in such a harsh way to one another? I realize that some of us may differ in minor things, but isn't this forum to help one another and encourage each other?

I hope as a newbie I haven't said too much...if you feel convicted by what I have said, maybe you might try to offer something a little less abrasive next time.

Much love to all of my brothers and sisters in Christ! I hope to get to know some of you very well...

Jael Anne aka Sparklebuns

I know several people will agree. Many harsh things are said against brothers/sisters in Christ. Sometimes I wonder if things are said in such a way because it's done over the computer. What I mean is that your safe behind the computer knowing that the other person has no clue who you are. I try to respond in an encouraging and respectful way. There are times I can come off snippy, but I have made personal apologies to the person I offended. All I can suggest is that when you do respond, reread what you say and see if it sounds respectful. I have read some of my posts and they don't sound the way I intended them to so I have to edit a few things.

 

[daveleau]

Pride.
Many people have such pride in their beliefs and believe that they have nailed down the correct theology. We all-to-often forget that while we are called to correct those who are wrong, we must do two things first:
1) We must have an open mind to study the ideas of others and prove what is right. We must not let our presuppositions get between us and Scripture.
2) love our neighbors and treat them with respect no matter what their beliefs are...our rebukes for incorrect theology are supposed to be done with kindness

I think a lot of us (I am not immuned to this, but I always try to edit my posts to not reflect these flaws) tend to speak our presuppositions first because we have closed our minds and then we respond with disgust over another's "incorrect" theology. People frequently use theology as a hammer and beat others on the head with it. It's really pretty sad that we do this. Hopefully, people will see your post, sparklebuns, and realize this. This problem is not as bad as some other areas on this site, but other parts of this site are better at respect and love than the BA forum can be at times.

My recommendation would be to use the REPORT button if you see something that is unduly harsh. If it is not breaking the rules, but you still feel it could be said more kindly, then query (this is the written word and can often be misunderstood) the member and counsel them on being kind.

I posted this verse in my signature for this very reason:
Eph 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.


God bless you,
Dave

 

[Richard]

I agree with both lamb and Daveleau , it's a mix of things.

When trying to encourage people seem to go a tad bit overboard to the things mentioned in Eph 4:31.

 

[mesue]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and have been reading everyone's comments for the last few days. Occasionally, I will comment as well, but I have been wondering something...

This forum is designed to encourage one another in our faith, correct? Why is it then that so many people seem to be saying things in such a harsh way to one another? I realize that some of us may differ in minor things, but isn't this forum to help one another and encourage each other?

I hope as a newbie I haven't said too much...if you feel convicted by what I have said, maybe you might try to offer something a little less abrasive next time.

Much love to all of my brothers and sisters in Christ! I hope to get to know some of you very well...

Jael Anne aka Sparklebuns

Maybe that's how you're reading it?

 

[JPPT1974]

Maybe that's how I am reading it too! Afraid so! Sad but true!

 

[MikeDeanRN]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and have been reading everyone's comments for the last few days. Occasionally, I will comment as well, but I have been wondering something...

This forum is designed to encourage one another in our faith, correct? Why is it then that so many people seem to be saying things in such a harsh way to one another? I realize that some of us may differ in minor things, but isn't this forum to help one another and encourage each other?

I hope as a newbie I haven't said too much...if you feel convicted by what I have said, maybe you might try to offer something a little less abrasive next time.

Much love to all of my brothers and sisters in Christ! I hope to get to know some of you very well...

Jael Anne aka Sparklebuns

I agree. I started thinking the same thing you did and then once I was harhly posted at, then my pride got in the way and I have begun to post on here somewhat harshly. Thanks for pointing it out. I am definitely convicted and will try to recognize my pride next time.

 

[blessedmomof5]

Jael Anne aka Sparklebuns

me too i am new also, but have been watching and looking.......
see i believe we should all try and live this way and yes we all do fall short of the glory of god, but try not to....
Eph 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
so when people through out little comments that might hurt others feelings, i go by the old saying if you have nothing nice to say , say nothing at all......
your sister in christ Denise