I never called you (personally) my brethren from the start, you just assumed I did when I was speaking to angelsonthemove4u when I mentioned agreeing with brethren (whether male or female) in a general
Making a joke like that meant I felt more comfortable being inclusive of both male and female as it related to my agreement verses with just you (individually).
Instead of embarrass you about understanding my agreement to be just with you (as in one brethren alone) I just thought to make a joke of the same because I did not want to call the greater part "sistern" when I was being inclusive.
Next time I will not add humor to someone missing me on something, and just tell them they missed the fact I wasnt saying something kind to just them. Either one works for me, I just felt that was kinder.
Making a joke like that meant I felt more comfortable being inclusive of both male and female as it related to my agreement verses with just you (individually).
Instead of embarrass you about understanding my agreement to be just with you (as in one brethren alone) I just thought to make a joke of the same because I did not want to call the greater part "sistern" when I was being inclusive.
Next time I will not add humor to someone missing me on something, and just tell them they missed the fact I wasnt saying something kind to just them. Either one works for me, I just felt that was kinder.
it's in Christ and in the testimony of the Word that we all have unity - all believers - when any of us start contradicting it, that is what stirs up division. the division here started in post #1, contradicting the account of Cain's birth. it's not anyone who's ridiculed the falsity who is stirring up division; it's the division itself.
drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too
(Proverbs 22:10)
(Proverbs 22:10)
the thing that mocks truth is a lie - cast out the lie, and we all agree. it doesn't have to be the one who was deceived by it, who should be cast out, if that one will accept admonishment.
the scriptures also agree using "brethren" in a sexless sense, inclusive of men and women, i think.
the "cistern" with whom we have to do is that well of living water -- we agree there too, yes!
laughter is associated with joy:
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
(Psalm 126:2)
and joy, with that water:our tongues with songs of joy.
(Psalm 126:2)
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
(Isaiah 12:3)
(Isaiah 12:3)
-- don't let my vanity be the cause of your loss of good humor
i love you! i am glad to think that we have fellowship in the truth; that's all.