On this forum I have noticed

[Thomas223]

On this forum I have noticed
We have our mainstay belifs, and if anything crosses that line we are wholly unable to consider even the possibility that some other belif may be valid. Instead we criticize, we ignore, we act one way while we talk with that individual but the moment his/her back is turned we laugh and judge them. Life should consist of more than how many friends you have or how people view you. Instead consider investing your effort in living a life that God would be proud of. Listen to other's opinions, expecially when their belifs may differ from yours. In the past I have personally ignored and mocked other people that held diffrent belifs, all because I thought it might make me more popular with the "in crowd". Luckily I've grown enough to spot these occasions and nip them in the bud. Now instead of mocking someone with "differing opinions", I consider what has their life expirence been to make them belive and behave the way they do. We all need to reach out to others, whether it be a democrat reaching out to a republican, a christian reaching out to a Muslim, the "popular" people reaching out to the unpopular. We all want to be validated, but that validation only goes so far. I have witnessed many of the prominent, trendy people feel wholly unfulfilled at the end of the day because they never take the risk of reaching out to people who are different. We all want to stay in out own little "bubble", but some of the most amazing things in the world happen when we take the risk to travel outside the box. With many people There main concern is whether people will like what they have to say rather than if what they say will benefit more than just themselves.
So if you read this:
-if you think this does not apply to you, your the exact person I am trying to reach
-take the time to reach out to at least one person.
-attempt to add something substantive to the conversation.
-listen to someone with differing opinions, your not the only person who can be right!!
-think less about what will benefit you and more how to help others.

 

[Sirk]

Generosity is a vitamin to the soul. Thats why Jesus talked about it so much.

 

[Shannon50]

I so feel the same way! But I don't know if it is a conscious failure to reach out, but rather a sincere (but misguided) attempt to tell people the Truth about Salvation as they know it. And I think some people might have a personality disorder.

 

[kennethcadwell]

One of the things is that people have been brought up for so long in the same philosophies and teachings, that if they are told something they have not heard before or taught from the bible it is hard for them to accept especially if it goes against what they have been taught.

Another thing is a lot of believers say they are only lead by the Holy Spirit in truth, yet when they speak you can see that they are deep in man's teachings and doctrines and not the bible. So if a scripture in the bible contradict's what they have been taught, their first response is to do away with, change the context, or say those scriptures not meant for us.
Instead they should listen first, search it out second to see what it says, and then pray to God on the subject.

Example: I don't know how many I have seen stick to Rome or America being the antichrist or Babylon, yet the scriptures say no such thing, nor do they even guide one to think that way if all scripture is taken into account. You can make one or both of them to fit by using only part of the descriptions, but you must have all the descriptions line up or it doesn't fit.

It is hard for people to accept change, as even the bible shows us examples of this.
Such as in Acts when the Apostles debated among themselves on what laws from the Mosaic laws are still valid to follow under the new covenant. They by the Holy Spirit worked it out though, and did not resort to calling names, belittling, or demeaning the others who were in opposition at first.

 

[SolidGround]

I have witnessed the same thing, as we all have. I agree that compassion for the lost, and love for our brothers and sisters is needed.

One thing that must be kept in mind while reaching out is this: we are called to a firm foundation.
Yes, it is good to listen, but we should be confident in Christ.
Love and humility does not require us to question the revealed Truth of Scripture.
Basicly, one can be both bold and humble at the same time, because humility is not a lack of confident assurance.

The world views humility as being unsure of one's beliefs, and willing to accept others as valid truths alongside their own. They view the agnostic as the most humble of all religious views.
True humility is recognising the immensity of God revealed to mankind, and submitting to it: putting ourselves as less than God, and acting with that in mind.

I'm hoping we all already agree with such things. This was just a reminder for us to remain lowly of self, yet confident in Christ.

 

[Budman]

Sometimes zeal is misplaced.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

The enmity is between the flesh and the Spirit. Some are taught of men, and are carnally minded; the other are taught of God by His Word and Spirit, and are spiritually minded. This enmity and division will not be put away until the Lord consumes that Wicked with the brightness of His coming.

But you will know those who are of the flesh by their lack of Spiritual fruits, which is the fruits of the Holy Spirit.