Hate among brothers

GillDouglas · Jun 12, 2015

Many of the threads, postings and comments dealing with the distinct theological differences in denominations are characterized more by hate than by love. In our honest attempts to call out false teachers, or false ideas many of us have turned to methods of ridicule and embarrassment rather speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15; 2 Tim. 2:24–26). We’d rather mock and ridicule a fellow Christian than show compassion to a fellow follower of Christ and come alongside him to teach the truth of the good news.

The intent of these conversations is not to prove a follower of a different church wrong or to make him feel dumb. Stop trying so hard to call out these false teachers or ideas in these forums and instead focus on gently leading the followers and unbelievers to Christ. Many of us pray (or at least often think) the prayer of the Pharisee—“Thank you God for not making me like them!” (Luke 18:9–14)—when we should be heartbroken so many are blinded and led astray from Christ’s flock.

We don’t need to try so hard to make a point about what we believe; we just need to start sharing the gospel with people, one on one, patiently explaining why Jesus is better than any promise of an earthly church. Lets not hate on the ones He has commanded us to love.

1watchman · Jun 12, 2015

Good thoughts! If we cannot say something to help and encourage one, we probably should say nothing. If one is asking for help or discernment, or even speaking false doctrine, we would do well to offer some help, but in a Godly way ---right?

GillDouglas · Jun 12, 2015

1watchman said:
Good thoughts! If we cannot say something to help and encourage one, we probably should say nothing. If one is asking for help or discernment, or even speaking false doctrine, we would do well to offer some help, but in a Godly way ---right?

Definitely. We shouldn't stand for those who would lead others astray, but we do a disservice by our attempts to condemn those speaking falsely. We need to constantly remind ourselves that we are far from perfect, far from knowing it all and having it right. We need to ensure the core message of the Gospel is ever present!

Bass4Jesus · Jun 12, 2015

And to add: What if I've had it wrong all along, no matter how right I know myself to be, and the others turn out to be right? And I don't find out about it until I'm judged? I think that's what scares the most you-know-what out of me. "I've got it all down no problem" was Job's transgression, the crack for Satan to get legitimate access, which we don't really get a sense of until later on. God's response: "Yeah? What do you know?" (St. Bass Translation.)

I don't like being ignorant, but being ignorant of being ignorant terrifies me in the context of potentially leading someone astray, no matter how noble my intentions.

My dad once gave me some great advice, and this was before he ever read Job: Never overlook the opportunity to keep your mouth shut.

(Hand raised) I've got a ways to go on that deal, that's for sure.

grandvizier1006 · Jun 13, 2015

I probably thought of the pharisee's prayer a few times. But it's just so hard when these people challenge everything you have ever known and I don't want to make the mistake of assuming that people are Christians just because they claim to be.

Goodbook · Jun 13, 2015

Is this something you struggle with?
It breaks my heart that so many in church get led astray by false teaching. But we do need to expose that false teaching cos without knowledge people perish.

Someone posted here recently about being married to a guy she found on the internet who she met on a christian site, but found their marriage was no such marriage..as he could not be a husband to her and she could not really be a wife. It seems he was deceived by false teaching. While it is tempting to blaming the husband, and getting a divorce, which is on some occasions may be the best thing due to spiritual abuse, we must also pray for those who are deceived that their eyes be opened and ears to hear the true gospel and keep standing firm in the faith once delivered to the saints.

It is dangerous to have too much sympathy for the devil. Even Jesus said it was better Judas wasnt born, so hurtful was his betrayal. Jesus also rebuked the devil. False teachings can be seductive.

DiscipleHeLovesToo · Jun 14, 2015

hmm; well, this is the advice forum, so...

while your point is well worded and no doubt genuinely heartfelt, the reality is that since none of us is Jesus, we'll all fall into the pharisee trap on occasion, so it isn't going to stop. here's the advice: don't argue with people who aren't listening; take their deafness as a sign that you missed God about who to minister to, and you should be trying to minister to someone else at that moment.

red bits · Jun 14, 2015

"My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.", James 3:1. After reading this, I just try to stick to encouragement and telling people what Jesus did for me.

ValleyGal · Jun 14, 2015

GillDouglas said:
Definitely. We shouldn't stand for those who would lead others astray, but we do a disservice by our attempts to condemn those speaking falsely. We need to constantly remind ourselves that we are far from perfect, far from knowing it all and having it right. We need to ensure the core message of the Gospel is ever present!

Gill, I think part of the problem is that we all believe that we are "right" and not leading others astray. The Bible is open to interpretation, and when something is open to interpretation, there will be disagreements. I have studied the topic of marriage/divorce/remarriage diligently, and know what I know - and yet have been called a heretic for my understanding of what is biblical. I also know that there are those who claim to have studied it and come to different conclusions and I know that's just where they are in their journey. I defend my faith, and expect others to defend theirs, and sometimes that can hit a very sensitive spot because faith is at the very core of our identity. When someone attacks or belittles - or even simply challenges - that centre of who we are, we are bound to have an emotional reaction that may not be favorable or loving. It's not an excuse, but it is something I think about when people react to me in a way that I consider rude, unloving, defensive, etc....and when I also react in such a way. I am not excusing that kind of behaviour, but I certainly identify with emotions preceding the behaviour, and I identify with these issues as the very reason I so desperately rely on God's outpouring of grace towards me.

Imo, the most important thing is not focusing on theological differences that are up for interpretation, but rather the unity of the Spirit - the fact that the same Jesus I follow and worship is the same Jesus that you do, and that other believers do. I also think it is relatively important to have some of these discussions (although they should be done in love) so that we can spur one another into deeper study, deeper faith, and to show ourselves approved, knowing why we believe what we do, and standing by those convictions with a ready answer.

sunshine456 · Jun 15, 2015

Yes i agree, but also it is important to remember that as a so called loving brother we have to sometimes admonish and correct those astray or lost from the fold, and it's also GOD's will that we do good and put to silence to all foolishness of ignorant men. We also are encourage and required to testify the truth in JESUS the son of GOD in order so that we can help them with our hopeful heart's of the true faith and belief.

JESUS CHRIST's testimony offered many instances of correction to both disciples and those not construed as outsiders. Take for instance the money lenders that were housing in the temple. That was an example of correction. It provided a point and made an example by action what they the lenders should not do.

Love is preached, practiced and witnessed by many a true sheep of JESUS CHRIST the son of GOD, but understanding who truthfully are the sheep is discernment that our faith determines by the grace of GOD through his son JESUS.

I would like to mention denominations and ask HOW can their be denominations when it is stated....."how can a house that is divided against itself stand?"
Matthew 12:25-28New King James Version (NKJV)
25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.

And....

There is NO arguing or debating the truth. Truth's are valid in of itself where lie's are NOT valid and has no sound structure to build upon itself and is destructive, corrosive and desolating.

Praise be to GOD the heavenly father and his son lord JESUS CHRIST forever>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

ValleyGal · Jun 15, 2015

I think too many people justify their rudeness and inconsideration by saying it's "correction." But again, that can be an argument used from both sides, if they both believe they are correct and the other is in error.

DiscipleHeLovesToo · Jun 15, 2015

sunshine456 said:
Yes i agree, but also it is important to remember that as a so called loving brother we have to sometimes admonish and correct those astray or lost from the fold, and it's also GOD's will that we do good and put to silence to all foolishness of ignorant men. We also are encourage and required to testify the truth in JESUS the son of GOD in order so that we can help them with our hopeful heart's of the true faith and belief.

JESUS CHRIST's testimony offered many instances of correction to both disciples and those not construed as outsiders. Take for instance the money lenders that were housing in the temple. That was an example of correction. It provided a point and made an example by action what they the lenders should not do.

Love is preached, practiced and witnessed by many a true sheep of JESUS CHRIST the son of GOD, but understanding who truthfully are the sheep is discernment that our faith determines by the grace of GOD through his son JESUS.

I would like to mention denominations and ask HOW can their be denominations when it is stated....."how can a house that is divided against itself stand?"
Matthew 12:25-28New King James Version (NKJV)
25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.

And....

There is NO arguing or debating the truth. Truth's are valid in of itself where lie's are NOT valid and has no sound structure to build upon itself and is destructive, corrosive and desolating.

Praise be to GOD the heavenly father and his son lord JESUS CHRIST forever>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

you had to learn what you think you know about scripture and the God it reveals over time; not everyone is at the same place in that journey - how many zealous corrections can you attribute your knowledge of Truth to? yes, correct a Brother or Sister that's about to take a destructive action - but focus on our ministry of reconciliation - our primary job is not to correct, but to get people into closer fellowship with God so that they can receive HIS correction; while our correction may be flawed, His is always exactly right

NothingIsImpossible · Jun 16, 2015

I seen an atheist recently on a news story looking through the comments and he said "Who needs to bother arguing with the christians when it seems 90% of them are to busy arguing with each other!". Its so true. We get so wrapped up in what other christians believe that we forget the outside world is watching us and they think what we believe is a joke that they don't want to be part of.

With that said though we already know there will be arguments. The bible even says stuff like this would happen. So its not shocking. Its why in this section we are to give advice but really not argue with someone else who is also responding. But we all know sometimes the temptation is sitting there where your just like "Ugh, I just want to tell so and so why they are wrong!". Its something I've had to learn to control myself because I am here to help people, not argue with others in the thread.

Then we get into judgement vs correction. And even when people know which is which they still tend to turn the correction into judgement. The bible say we can talk to a brother about something (correction). If they don't listen then you bring someone with you. If still they don't listen you bring a pastor. If that doesn't work then you let it go because the seed has been planted and God is in control of it at that point. You have done what you can. Though online we should bring it up, and then just let it go if the person doesn't listen.

We are accountable for what we do, they are accountable for what they do. God will tell them at the time when they see Him "Remember when so and so told you about this thing and you ignored him?". And we should also remember to treat others as we would want to be treated. So in my case I want someone to correct me, but then to let it go if I don't accept it because its what I do.

Hospes · Jun 16, 2015

I find most of us are like the drunk peasant trying to ride a donkey: we all tend to fall off one side or the other. (Martin Luther's metaphor.)

We should apply ourselves to staying on our donkey by asking God to train in us the ability to skillfully speak truth in love.

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