What Would You Do?

[JContinuum]

I was reading in another forum and came across an interesting post

I was sitting in a restaurant yesterday enjoying a nice meal, when about two tables over, two gentlemen were sitting. Suddenly another guy walked in who obviously knew both gentlemen, and he walked up to them to have a chat. All of a sudden, one of the guys sitting down starts raising his voice, in such a way that I and everyone else in the place couldn't help but hearing what he had to say.

He started literally making fun of the man who had come over to talk them, over what else? The man's religious beliefs.

I won't stoop so low as to repeat some of the things the man was saying, but he took particular jab at the man's denomination, and the fact that he obviously doesn't live a perfect life. Finally, the man who was standing simply just walked away without saying anything, and the guy sitting down then proceeded to talk to the other guy who was there sitting down, about the guy who had just left.

I debated with myself to get up and say something to the guy sitting down, but I opted out of it. What would you have done?

Keep Lookin Up
Rudy

 

[Zecryphon]

I was reading in another forum and came across an interesting post

I was sitting in a restaurant yesterday enjoying a nice meal, when about two tables over, two gentlemen were sitting. Suddenly another guy walked in who obviously knew both gentlemen, and he walked up to them to have a chat. All of a sudden, one of the guys sitting down starts raising his voice, in such a way that I and everyone else in the place couldn't help but hearing what he had to say.

He started literally making fun of the man who had come over to talk them, over what else? The man's religious beliefs.

I won't stoop so low as to repeat some of the things the man was saying, but he took particular jab at the man's denomination, and the fact that he obviously doesn't live a perfect life. Finally, the man who was standing simply just walked away without saying anything, and the guy sitting down then proceeded to talk to the other guy who was there sitting down, about the guy who had just left.

I debated with myself to get up and say something to the guy sitting down, but I opted out of it. What would you have done?

Keep Lookin Up
Rudy

Without being present in the restaurant to overhear the coversation and some of the things you won't repeat here, there's no way to say what I would have done, because I don't know the situation at hand. Do you think it was a possible witness encounter? At this point in time I'm inclined to say no it wasn't a witness encounter, because out of a whole restaurant full of people and probably lots of people outside the restaurant, why go up to this table? What set that table apart from all the others? You were there, what did you notice? Anything about this particular table strike you as needing immediate spiritual intervention?

Happy Reformation Day

 

[DerSchweik]

I was reading in another forum and came across an interesting post

I was sitting in a restaurant yesterday enjoying a nice meal, when about two tables over, two gentlemen were sitting. Suddenly another guy walked in who obviously knew both gentlemen, and he walked up to them to have a chat. All of a sudden, one of the guys sitting down starts raising his voice, in such a way that I and everyone else in the place couldn't help but hearing what he had to say.

He started literally making fun of the man who had come over to talk them, over what else? The man's religious beliefs.

I won't stoop so low as to repeat some of the things the man was saying, but he took particular jab at the man's denomination, and the fact that he obviously doesn't live a perfect life. Finally, the man who was standing simply just walked away without saying anything, and the guy sitting down then proceeded to talk to the other guy who was there sitting down, about the guy who had just left.

I debated with myself to get up and say something to the guy sitting down, but I opted out of it. What would you have done?

Keep Lookin Up
Rudy

Honestly, I think I would've caught up with the guy who walked away and thanked him for such a wise move, letting him know what you overhead. That was an act of grace, IMO, not responding adversely. And I think it is probably what Jesus would have done in similar circumstances.

Frankly, I wish we would do the same thing here on the forums whenever we get people posting who obviously neither know the Lord nor care for Christians either - or for purely devisive people. All too often we feel a need "to respond" as if we're "defending the faith" thereby. But I think grace dictates a different response in most heated situations - simply walk away and do not add any more kindling to the flames of passion.

God bless...

 

[Nadiine]

I was reading in another forum and came across an interesting post

I was sitting in a restaurant yesterday enjoying a nice meal, when about two tables over, two gentlemen were sitting. Suddenly another guy walked in who obviously knew both gentlemen, and he walked up to them to have a chat. All of a sudden, one of the guys sitting down starts raising his voice, in such a way that I and everyone else in the place couldn't help but hearing what he had to say.

He started literally making fun of the man who had come over to talk them, over what else? The man's religious beliefs.

I won't stoop so low as to repeat some of the things the man was saying, but he took particular jab at the man's denomination, and the fact that he obviously doesn't live a perfect life. Finally, the man who was standing simply just walked away without saying anything, and the guy sitting down then proceeded to talk to the other guy who was there sitting down, about the guy who had just left.

I debated with myself to get up and say something to the guy sitting down, but I opted out of it. What would you have done?

Keep Lookin Up
Rudy

Good question... honestly, it would totally depend on how the Lord led me right at that moment.
Just sitting here reading it, I'd go right up & say something to him to ask him how he'd feel if I did that to him.
It's one thing to know that someone is in sin, or whatever, it's another to stand and condemn & ridicule.

It wouldn't have to be much said to him, he's know what he did. But wow, right to the man's face?
Friends like that, who needs enemies.

 

[fishon]

Honestly, I think I would've caught up with the guy who walked away and thanked him for such a wise move, letting him know what you overhead. That was an act of grace, IMO, not responding adversely. And I think it is probably what Jesus would have done in similar circumstances.

Frankly, I wish we would do the same thing here on the forums whenever we get people posting who obviously neither know the Lord nor care for Christians either - or for purely devisive people. All too often we feel a need "to respond" as if we're "defending the faith" thereby. But I think grace dictates a different response in most heated situations - simply walk away and do not add any more kindling to the flames of passion.

God bless...

DerSchweik wrote: All too often we feel a need "to respond" as if we're "defending the faith" thereby. I say, Amen.

I take a back seat to no one when it comes to truely defending the faith. However, as I grow older I invoke Proverbs 26:4-5 more often.
MAKE IT a great day.
fishon

 

[Cris413]

This is an interesting question...

I found myself in a similar situation the other day. Someone in the office where I work has been treating another person...a gentle Christian woman... with disrespect and it was really upsetting me.

She, being humble...simply took it with a servants heart.

I thought...if she won't stand up for herself...then I will stand up for her and decided the very next day I was going to say something to this man...

I was all prepared in my head what I was going to say as I headed out the door for work...

I got in my truck and Tony Evans was teaching about how David was being attacked by vicious words...

and one of his men wanted to go and chop off the head of the person making all the venomous insults...

and David...in humility...told him to let the man be. That this man was speaking God's word to Him for His purpose.

David...in his brokenness submitted to God to take care of the issue and chose instead to learn from it.

My experience that morning was one of those times when God meets you exactly where we need to be met. This always blows me away...God knows our thoughts and sends the exact message we need to hear...precisely when we need to hear it.

I shared my intensions and what I heard Tony Evans teach with the woman who was being disrespected at work...and she smiled and said...All glory to God and I see the lesson He's teaching me through this situation.

My thoughts were...God is in control...prayerfully give it Him and let Him handle it.

If anyone knows where the account I'm talking about (I know I not giving much to go on) is in the Bible...I would really appreciate help finding it.

Thanks,

Cris

 

[Nadiine]

This is an interesting question...

I found myself in a similar situation the other day. Someone in the office where I work has been treating another person...a gentle Christian woman... with disrespect and it was really upsetting me.

She, being humble...simply took it with a servants heart.

I thought...if she won't stand up for herself...then I will stand up for her and decided the very next day I was going to say something to this man...

I was all prepared in my head what I was going to say as I headed out the door for work...

I got in my truck and Tony Evans was teaching about how David was being attacked by vicious words...

and one of his men wanted to go and chop off the head of the person making all the venomous insults...

and David...in humility...told him to let the man be. That this man was speaking God's word to Him for His purpose.

David...in his brokenness submitted to God to take care of the issue and chose instead to learn from it.

My experience that morning was one of those times when God meets you exactly where we need to be met. This always blows me away...God knows our thoughts and sends the exact message we need to hear...precisely when we need to hear it.

I shared my intensions and what I heard Tony Evans teach with the woman who was being disrespected at work...and she smiled and said...All glory to God and I see the lesson He's teaching me through this situation.

My thoughts were...God is in control...prayerfully give it Him and let Him handle it.

If anyone knows where the account I'm talking about (I know I not giving much to go on) is in the Bible...I would really appreciate help finding it.

Thanks,

Cris

What a blessing to see your post.

I thought I'd let you know that Lee (the new owner)made an announcement that he'll be making changes here soon, we're HOPING for some positive things in the near future.

I'm in the middle on this one - becuz there seem to be scripture examples of both types of reactions to confrontational issues... there's also the verse where Nathan goes to David & tells David that he's the man that had the families pet sheep killed (ie. Bathsheeba's husband literally).
He pointed out his sin/wrong openly which caused David to repent in deep remorse.

So... I wouldn't doubt that both ways are possibly the right thing to do given the situation and given God's direct leading of you to either speak or be silent and PRAY. Putting it into God's hands completely.

I've definitely seen people do some nasty things in front of me in real life & I knew in my spirit not to go near that to say a word. I believe that God's leading is direct and instantaneous where we feel it strongly right at that moment. It's hard to just say "I'd do this" or "I'd do that" in a future incident that hasn't even happened yet - we truly don't know becuz God's leading is moment by moment.
So... you're right in your post & I agree it probly might not be beneficial to confront that man... but if God led another person to be that one that tells 'David', "you're that man",... then I'd hope they obeyed God's calling in hopes that he'd be shown what he's doing.

I MISS YOU AROUND HERE SISTER. Your posts are always a blessing to me.

 

[IisJustMe]

What would you have done?

Such ignorance deserves no comment, nor will it heed any directed to it.

 

[Cris413]

What a blessing to see your post.

I thought I'd let you know that Lee (the new owner)made an announcement that he'll be making changes here soon, we're HOPING for some positive things in the near future.

I'm in the middle on this one - becuz there seem to be scripture examples of both types of reactions to confrontational issues... there's also the verse where Nathan goes to David & tells David that he's the man that had the families pet sheep killed (ie. Bathsheeba's husband literally).
He pointed out his sin/wrong openly which caused David to repent in deep remorse.

So... I wouldn't doubt that both ways are possibly the right thing to do given the situation and given God's direct leading of you to either speak or be silent and PRAY. Putting it into God's hands completely.

I've definitely seen people do some nasty things in front of me in real life & I knew in my spirit not to go near that to say a word. I believe that God's leading is direct and instantaneous where we feel it strongly right at that moment. It's hard to just say "I'd do this" or "I'd do that" in a future incident that hasn't even happened yet - we truly don't know becuz God's leading is moment by moment.
So... you're right in your post & I agree it probly might not be beneficial to confront that man... but if God led another person to be that one that tells 'David', "you're that man",... then I'd hope they obeyed God's calling in hopes that he'd be shown what he's doing.

I MISS YOU AROUND HERE SISTER. Your posts are always a blessing to me.

Awww thank you sister I'll be around to fellowship from time to time.

Glad to hear there may be some beneficial changes on the horizon with the new ownership.

And you're absolutely right....every situation is unique and it's all about listening to God and following His leading.

Blessings!

 

[jeremyloo]

This is an interesting question...

I found myself in a similar situation the other day. Someone in the office where I work has been treating another person...a gentle Christian woman... with disrespect and it was really upsetting me.

She, being humble...simply took it with a servants heart.

I thought...if she won't stand up for herself...then I will stand up for her and decided the very next day I was going to say something to this man...

I was all prepared in my head what I was going to say as I headed out the door for work...

I got in my truck and Tony Evans was teaching about how David was being attacked by vicious words...

and one of his men wanted to go and chop off the head of the person making all the venomous insults...

and David...in humility...told him to let the man be. That this man was speaking God's word to Him for His purpose.

David...in his brokenness submitted to God to take care of the issue and chose instead to learn from it.

My experience that morning was one of those times when God meets you exactly where we need to be met. This always blows me away...God knows our thoughts and sends the exact message we need to hear...precisely when we need to hear it.

I shared my intensions and what I heard Tony Evans teach with the woman who was being disrespected at work...and she smiled and said...All glory to God and I see the lesson He's teaching me through this situation.

My thoughts were...God is in control...prayerfully give it Him and let Him handle it.

If anyone knows where the account I'm talking about (I know I not giving much to go on) is in the Bible...I would really appreciate help finding it.

Thanks,

Cris

Hi Cris,

The Lord is with you and what you have received is timely from the Lord.

I believed the passage you are looking for is from 2Sam 16

"2Sa 16:5 When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera, and as he came he cursed continually.
2Sa 16:6 And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.
2Sa 16:7 And Shimei said as he cursed, "Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man!
2Sa 16:8 The LORD has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood."
2Sa 16:9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head."
2Sa 16:10 But the king said, "What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD has said to him, 'Curse David,' who then shall say, 'Why have you done so?'"
2Sa 16:11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, "Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to.
2Sa 16:12 It may be that the LORD will look on the wrong done to me, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing today."
2Sa 16:13 So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust.
2Sa 16:14 And the king, and all the people who were with him, arrived weary at the Jordan. And there he refreshed himself. "

Be bless,

 

[Cris413]

Hi Cris,

The Lord is with you and what you have received is timely from the Lord.

I believed the passage you are looking for is from 2Sam 16

"2Sa 16:5 When King David came to Bahurim, there came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera, and as he came he cursed continually.
2Sa 16:6 And he threw stones at David and at all the servants of King David, and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.
2Sa 16:7 And Shimei said as he cursed, "Get out, get out, you man of blood, you worthless man!
2Sa 16:8 The LORD has avenged on you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, your evil is on you, for you are a man of blood."
2Sa 16:9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head."
2Sa 16:10 But the king said, "What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD has said to him, 'Curse David,' who then shall say, 'Why have you done so?'"
2Sa 16:11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, "Behold, my own son seeks my life; how much more now may this Benjaminite! Leave him alone, and let him curse, for the LORD has told him to.
2Sa 16:12 It may be that the LORD will look on the wrong done to me, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing today."
2Sa 16:13 So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and flung dust.
2Sa 16:14 And the king, and all the people who were with him, arrived weary at the Jordan. And there he refreshed himself. "

Be bless,

Thank you brother!

 

[IisJustMe]

Hi Cris ... I believed the passage you are looking for is from 2Sam 16

... this passage does not apply to the OP's situation at all. David was willing to let the man curse him because his reaction was based in a warped version of the truth. In the OP's scenario, we really don't know what the truth is. Without knowing what the third man's history is, and why the man at the table would continue to talk loudly about him after he left, we cannot say that he was emulating David when he walked away.

The passage that comes to my mind is Titus 3:10: "Reject a factious man after a second and third warning."

A "factious" man is a man prone to factions, alternate "truths" but it can also mean a man who is divisive in his chosen group. To such a man a second or third warning before dropping contact with him, you have to know the man. That's not the case here.

It's offensive to us as Christians to hear a fellow Christian spoken of in such a manner. but really, the only evidence the OP has are the comments made by the man at the table. Is that enough to base a decision on to intervene? Hardly.

I stick by my original advice. Stay out of it. We don't know what's going on, even though it is likely the man at the table is a horse's patootie. He won't listen anyway.

 

[Cris413]

... this passage does not apply to the OP's situation at all. David was willing to let the man curse him because his reaction was based in a warped version of the truth. In the OP's scenario, we really don't know what the truth is. Without knowing what the third man's history is, and why the man at the table would continue to talk loudly about him after he left, we cannot say that he was emulating David when he walked away.

The passage that comes to my mind is Titus 3:10: "Reject a factious man after a second and third warning."

A "factious" man is a man prone to factions, alternate "truths" but it can also mean a man who is divisive in his chosen group. To such a man a second or third warning before dropping contact with him, you have to know the man. That's not the case here.

It's offensive to us as Christians to hear a fellow Christian spoken of in such a manner. but really, the only evidence the OP has are the comments made by the man at the table. Is that enough to base a decision on to intervene? Hardly.

I stick by my original advice. Stay out of it. We don't know what's going on, even though it is likely the man at the table is a horse's patootie. He won't listen anyway.

Ummm....I think Jeremy was responding to my situation...which I found similar to the OP... and my question...regarding where I could find the Scripture I was looking for.

With all due respect...

Perhaps we should consider letting God be the judge of who may or may not be a horses patootie...

 

[IisJustMe]

Ummm....I think Jeremy was responding to my situation...which I found similar to the OP... and my question...regarding where I could find the Scripture I was looking for. With all due respect...

I understand that, and I apologize for stepping on your toes. My concern was that the passage not be used as a guideline for those situations as described by the OP, and with a bow to Dr. Evans, I think the reason David was willing to hear the harsh words and even bear the stones was because, underneath the anger and the over-the-top behavior of Shimei, the man was right. We don't know if the man at the table was right, and it certainly appears that the man in your office was wrong. That said, the best thing to do in the situations you both describe is to support the target of the insults with encouragement and prayer, and let the horse's (uh-mmms) be who they're going to be regardless of what we say.

Perhaps we should letting God be the judge of who may or may not be a horses patootie...

I did. I said "likely" in accordance with my view that we can't judge the situation without all the facts, and even then, only the behavior, not the heart. Thanks, though, for holding me to account. God bless.