I hate this.

Macrina · Sep 1, 2007

I hate arguing, and I hate conflict. I hate the thought of being unkind to someone else, and I hate it when someone else is unkind to me.

And you know what I really hate? Being judged as a bigoted jerk who just wants to exclude people who aren't like me. I do my sincere best to express things as kindly as I can without sacrificing clarity of my point... but somehow I come out this horrible mean person.

So what I hate is when I express a deep theological conviction in the kindest way possible, yet am painted as hate-filled and elitist.

Hentenza · Sep 1, 2007

*hugs for you* Macrina.

I can definitely relate. Please don't let mean people get to you. There are plenty in Foru.ms. Remember that Jesus loves you and we love you.

Lisa0315 · Sep 1, 2007

Macrina said:
I hate arguing, and I hate conflict. I hate the thought of being unkind to someone else, and I hate it when someone else is unkind to me.

And you know what I really hate? Being judged as a bigoted jerk who just wants to exclude people who aren't like me. I do my sincere best to express things as kindly as I can without sacrificing clarity of my point... but somehow I come out this horrible mean person.

So what I hate is when I express a deep theological conviction in the kindest way possible, yet am painted as hate-filled and elitist.

Macrina, You are doing a wonderful job and as long as things are clear between you and the Lord, then, you are just fine. You cannot worry about those who lash out when they hear the truth. They will lash out regardless of how kindly and gently it is spoken. You are in good company, afterall. Jesus had to rebuke people, and it was not well received. In fact, people blasphemed rather than hear and see the truth.

Lisa

Macrina · Sep 1, 2007

Hentenza said:
*hugs for you* Macrina.

I can definitely relate. Please don't let mean people get to you. There are plenty in Foru.ms. Remember that Jesus loves you and we love you.

Thank you!

I hope y'all don't mind me venting here. I just figured that you folks might understand what I mean... people who know me IRL would tell you that I'm accepting and non-judgmental and love people regardless of their theological positions or lifestyle. But lately on this site I've been speaking up on some policy matters. I've tried to make it as much about policy and doctrine as possible, and make it clear that I am not attacking any individual. But people I like and respect are saying some very hurtful things which clearly misjudge my motives.

I don't care if someone disagrees with me; it's when they misrepresent my motivation that I feel hurt. You know?

Macrina · Sep 1, 2007

Lisa0315 said:
Macrina, You are doing a wonderful job and as long as things are clear between you and the Lord, then, you are just fine. You cannot worry about those who lash out when they hear the truth. They will lash out regardless of how kindly and gently it is spoken. You are in good company, afterall. Jesus had to rebuke people, and it was not well received. In fact, people blasphemed rather than hear and see the truth.

Lisa

Yeah, I know that sometimes no matter how kind you are, the truth will get you in trouble. I just needed to vent, I guess... I don't have thick enough skin to deal with internet debate very well. I only enter into these discussions on things that are very, very important to me and I can't in good conscience leave alone.

Lisa0315 · Sep 1, 2007

Macrina said:
Yeah, I know that sometimes no matter how kind you are, the truth will get you in trouble. I just needed to vent, I guess... I don't have thick enough skin to deal with internet debate very well. I only enter into these discussions on things that are very, very important to me and I can't in good conscience leave alone.

Well, you are doing a wonderful job. I wish I had your temperment. I have alot of patience with atheists. I have very little with those who profess Christ, but act like the devil.

Lisa

Criada · Sep 1, 2007

Macrina said:
I hate arguing, and I hate conflict. I hate the thought of being unkind to someone else, and I hate it when someone else is unkind to me.

And you know what I really hate? Being judged as a bigoted jerk who just wants to exclude people who aren't like me. I do my sincere best to express things as kindly as I can without sacrificing clarity of my point... but somehow I come out this horrible mean person.

So what I hate is when I express a deep theological conviction in the kindest way possible, yet am painted as hate-filled and elitist.

It's all very horrible, sis! And you are bound to feel bad.
BUT - you have NOT been unkind to anyone (not in any thread that I have seen, at least). People are upset, and lashing out because they feel strongly. And you have handled it very graciously.
So don't worry about what people appear to think of you - because, when the emotion has died down, they will see that you are just standing up for truth, and not putting anyone down.

Remember, God sees your heart - and He loves you incredibly much! And, really, that is what matters!

God bless you very much sister - I have been and am praying for you.

Rochir · Sep 1, 2007

Macrina said:
I hate arguing, and I hate conflict. I hate the thought of being unkind to someone else, and I hate it when someone else is unkind to me.

And you know what I really hate? Being judged as a bigoted jerk who just wants to exclude people who aren't like me. I do my sincere best to express things as kindly as I can without sacrificing clarity of my point... but somehow I come out this horrible mean person.

So what I hate is when I express a deep theological conviction in the kindest way possible, yet am painted as hate-filled and elitist.

I so well understand you, Macrina! I, as a liberal, have to face the same kind of prejedice and hate every day!

I feel and pray for you and believe at the core we are all good people!

Macrina · Sep 1, 2007

Rochir said:
I so well understand you, Macrina! I, as a liberal, have to face the same kind of prejedice and hate every day!

I feel and pray for you and believe at the core we are all good people!

Thanks, Rochir. You know, I've actually found myself in positions where I'm catching it from both sides.

Whoever it is I disagree with -- be they conservative or liberal -- I just want to be able to communicate love towards them without having to hide my beliefs or compromise my convictions.

Tangeloper · Sep 1, 2007

I can so relate to what you've said here Macrina. I think others are very afraid of their beliefs being challenged and lash out because it sometimes hits too close to home, ya know?

I've been accused of the same things -- being a bigot or prejudiced or racist and it's the farthest thing from the truth and if people really knew me they would never say those things about me.

It really gets to me too! I don't have any good advice for you unfortunately as I get just as depressed, frustrated, sad and angry. The only thing I can say is that there are some very good Psalms that I pray out loud when I am feeling attacked by people who are unrighteous and unfair -- that really seems to help...

Also, know that God know your heart and HE knows you are NOT how they are portraying you and accusing you of being. THEY are the ones who are bearing false witness against you, and even if they get away with it here -- God will hold them accountable when they meet Him face to face!!!

Much love to you Macrina! I hope you feel better soon! I will pray for you, and those who are saying these things to you for they truly need God's help to see the error of their ways!!!

God bless you Macrina, hang in there, and feel free to vent anytime you need to. I know many of us here can completely emphathize with what you are going through! And, hopefully others will have more advice than I myself am able to offer you!

Tange

Macrina · Sep 1, 2007

Tangeloper said:
I can so relate to what you've said here Macrina. I think others are very afraid of their beliefs being challenged and lash out because it sometimes hits too close to home, ya know?

I've been accused of the same things -- being a bigot or prejudiced or racist and it's the farthest thing from the truth and if people really knew me they would never say those things about me.

It really gets to me too! I don't have any good advice for you unfortunately as I get just as depressed, frustrated, sad and angry. The only thing I can say is that there are some very good Psalms that I pray out loud when I am feeling attacked by people who are unrighteous and unfair -- that really seems to help...

Also, know that God know your heart and HE knows you are NOT how they are portraying you and accusing you of being. THEY are the ones who are bearing false witness against you, and even if they get away with it here -- God will hold them accountable when they meet Him face to face!!!

Much love to you Macrina! I hope you feel better soon! I will pray for you, and those who are saying these things to you for they truly need God's help to see the error of their ways!!!

God bless you Macrina, hang in there, and feel free to vent anytime you need to. I know many of us here can completely emphathize with what you are going through! And, hopefully others will have more advice than I myself am able to offer you!

Tange

Thanks, Tange. I know that it the grand scheme of things it totally doesn't matter what people think of me. I'm just not someone who's cut out for internet debate and such, because I'm too sensitive.

Jim47 · Sep 1, 2007

Its easy to get hurt when you are thie kind of person who cares about people. The only advice I can offer is to try not and take personal when someone offends you, as offensvive as what they have said may be. Once they have riled up your emotions and hurt you they have accomplished their mission, so the best thing you can do is to not allow them to get to you. I know this is ahrd, but it can be done to a point.

FallingWaters · Sep 1, 2007

Macrina said:
I hate arguing, and I hate conflict. I hate the thought of being unkind to someone else, and I hate it when someone else is unkind to me.

And you know what I really hate? Being judged as a bigoted jerk who just wants to exclude people who aren't like me. I do my sincere best to express things as kindly as I can without sacrificing clarity of my point... but somehow I come out this horrible mean person.

So what I hate is when I express a deep theological conviction in the kindest way possible, yet am painted as hate-filled and elitist.

If you truly do speak the truth in love, then their hate is actually hate toward God and His truth, not you.

Mat 5:11-12 ESV
(11) "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
(12) Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Tangeloper · Sep 1, 2007

Macrina said:
Thanks, Tange. I know that it the grand scheme of things it totally doesn't matter what people think of me. I'm just not someone who's cut out for internet debate and such, because I'm too sensitive.

I hear you Macrina. I can be real sensitive at times too. I just got into it over in the N & CE thread about a topic on hate crimes... UGH! I've got my flame suit on, but I've said my piece and I'm going to be staying away from the thread now as I've reported a flame against Christians and I don't want to "stir the pot" further, because I'm on the verge of not being so nice!!!

UGH!!! It's SO FRUSTRATING... The guy I was talking to about Hate Crimes Legislation actually said, "So why do Christians want the right to harass Homosexuals?"

It seems that some people are so stuck in their own view of the world (which is bigotry plain and simple) that they fail to even try to understand what another person is saying!!!

OK, now I'm venting too, and I haven't gotten enough sleep today-- I should've known better than to try and express a view (not even a debate!) when I'm this tired!

We can be there for each other Macrina! That's one of my biggest challenges in life -- to keep my self-confidence no matter what others say about me. I hate confrontation and arguing as well. I yearn for intelligent rational discussion, but it doesn't seem like many are willing to engage in that type of conversation.

OK, I'm off to bed soon! I hope you have a good night!

Tang

Kelly · Sep 1, 2007

Let it roll off, Macrina. From what ikepac told me about you, you have a level head and solid understanding of scripture, other people's opinions don't matter in the end anywho.

Tangeloper · Sep 1, 2007

FallingWaters said:
If you truly do speak the truth in love, then their hate is actually hate toward God and His truth, not you.

Mat 5:11-12 ESV
(11) "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
(12) Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Very profound FallingWaters -- Thank you! I needed to hear that as well tonight. God bless you!

Lisa0315 · Sep 1, 2007

Tangeloper said:
I hear you Macrina. I can be real sensitive at times too. I just got into it over in the N & CE thread about a topic on hate crimes... UGH! I've got my flame suit on, but I've said my piece and I'm going to be staying away from the thread now as I've reported a flame against Christians and I don't want to "stir the pot" further, because I'm on the verge of not being so nice!!!

UGH!!! It's SO FRUSTRATING... The guy I was talking to about Hate Crimes Legislation actually said, "So why do Christians want the right to harass Homosexuals?"

It seems that some people are so stuck in their own view of the world (which is bigotry plain and simple) that they fail to even try to understand what another person is saying!!!

OK, now I'm venting too, and I haven't gotten enough sleep today-- I should've known better than to try and express a view (not even a debate!) when I'm this tired!

We can be there for each other Macrina! That's one of my biggest challenges in life -- to keep my self-confidence no matter what others say about me. I hate confrontation and arguing as well. I yearn for intelligent rational discussion, but it doesn't seem like many are willing to engage in that type of conversation.

OK, I'm off to bed soon! I hope you have a good night!

Tang

In the great Homosexual debate, the one argument I have found that cannot be argued against is that it is but one of many sexual sins. Do not argue whether gay is natural or not. Argue that it is sex outside the boundaries of marrage, and thus, sexual sin. It cannot be argued against.

Lisa

Jim47 · Sep 1, 2007

Lisa0315 said:
In the great Homosexual debate, the one argument I have found that cannot be argued against is that it is but one of many sexual sins. Do not argue whether gay is natural or not. Argue that it is sex outside the boundaries of marrage, and thus, sexual sin. It cannot be argued against.

Lisa

Not looking to debate here but could explain what you mean by that?

Are you sayingf that its not wise to debate? That those debates are not accepted or what? Hmmmm

Tangeloper · Sep 1, 2007

Lisa0315 said:
In the great Homosexual debate, the one argument I have found that cannot be argued against is that it is but one of many sexual sins. Do not argue whether gay is natural or not. Argue that it is sex outside the boundaries of marrage, and thus, sexual sin. It cannot be argued against.

Lisa

LOL... we aren't even talking about that aspect! I stay away form those threads.

We are merely discussing Hate Crimes Legislation, and the introduction of thought crimes into the realm of creating a distinct class of individuals that receive separate treatement based on nationality, physical attributes, or sexual orientation! It's so ridiculous!

I am very careful to be diplomatic in my answers and I try to divorce my personal feelings about homosexuality from this matter because it really isn't about homosexuality, and the unintended consequences of this legislation is so much further reaching than that group.

Now I'm getting accused of being paranoid for pointing out that there is a precedent for how these hate crimes legislations evolved (like it has in Canada). It's so frustrating when people don't understand that the only way to create TRUE equality is NOT to give preferential treatment to a certain class of citizens!

My life and health is not worth less if I am murdered or assaulted because I am straight, or white! And, if you point that out you are accused of being a racist?!?!

UGH, so frustrating! OK, thanks for letting me vent. I'm going to head to bed soon here.. I'm trying to stay up till 10 or 10:30 my time so I can get back on a regular schedule! LOL

Tangeloper · Sep 1, 2007

I should add that that is an excellent strategy for diplomatic debate on that issue though! Thanks for that!

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