Hello

[John Sharman]

Hi there.

... Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them ... But Jesus was surely referring to physical gatherings, and at this initial stage of my exploration here, I'd have to say I'm somewhat doubtful that an online forum can ever be very effective as a place of fellowship.

We have collectively eaten from the Tree of Knowledge so fully, and for so long now, that many of us may even think this is a normal way to fellowship together... but it's certainly a pretty extreme manifestation of that knowledge tree. And by way of comparison, what does it mean, at the deepest level, to eat from the Tree of Life?

Apologies for this rather gloomy intro. I'm currently unable to find any fulfilling fellowship in the flesh, so I'm hoping this forum may serve as some kind of spiritual stop-gap, at least, and help me to remain focused on the things of God.

 

[linux.poet]

Welcome to CF!

May the Lord walk beside you to guide you into better company and lift your countanence. I pray for the Holy Spirit to give you relief from critical thoughts that may be pushing people away.

 

[John Sharman]

... critical thoughts that may be pushing people away.

Is that an assumption that you've somehow made about me, that I'm pushing people away?

 

[linux.poet]

Is that an assumption that you've somehow made about me, that I'm pushing people away?

I said
"may"
be pushing people away.

It is a possibility. I don't really know if you are or not.

 

[John Sharman]

I don't really know if you are or not.

Then perhaps it was unwise to suggest it.

 

[linux.poet]

Then perhaps it was unwise to suggest it.

Negative thoughts tend to push people away, and reacting judgmentally when that fact is presented pings my intuition as an admission of guilt. A struck chord plays the whole guitar.

If one builds his own prison walls, he should not be surprised when he cannot escape himself, especially when he blames others for his misdeeds. Frequently those thus entrapped conclude that no one around them is good enough to merit their company, for none meet their high standards.

On the other hand, loneliness can be the source of negativity. It wasn't a suggestion - I was simply listing out possibilities asking God to come alongside you in your pain.

 

[John Sharman]

I feel that you've made some unfounded assumptions about me, linux. You know nothing about me and my situation.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Hi there.

... Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them ... But Jesus was surely referring to physical gatherings, and at this initial stage of my exploration here, I'd have to say I'm somewhat doubtful that an online forum can ever be very effective as a place of fellowship.

We have collectively eaten from the Tree of Knowledge so fully, and for so long now, that many of us may even think this is a normal way to fellowship together... but it's certainly a pretty extreme manifestation of that knowledge tree. And by way of comparison, what does it mean, at the deepest level, to eat from the Tree of Life?

Apologies for this rather gloomy intro. I'm currently unable to find any fulfilling fellowship in the flesh, so I'm hoping this forum may serve as some kind of spiritual stop-gap, at least, and help me to remain focused on the things of God.

Welcome!

 

[Michie]

Welcome!

 

[RileyG]

Welcome!