Took me awhile too UG! Don't know how I didn't connect Phil Hartman in his avatar to Phart, but I didn't! Because I'm dense!
I kept thinking, does the poor man not see how unfortunate his user name is??
The sad thing is Phil expected better of his brothers and sisters in the Lord, but some have failed.
Do you know how sensitive the Lord is to our nuances and intentions?
It is hard to comprehend the intentions and feelings that rise up in many over issues that should
actually bring about brokenness and humility. Our Lord just waits, like the teacher who comes
in a room and waits until everyone notices. Have we reason to treat His words with contempt,
and to claim so much, condemn others to hell and walk on as if we have done nothing.
I am concerned that to love another is a burden for some too hard to bear.
That to be faithful, open, honest, truthful, is too big an ask.
To come and give space to another, who comes honestly and openly, rather than accuse them
of lying, of being deceitful and dishonest, an agent of satan, and even possessed.
With a few short words, such strong things have been expressed and real anger and aggression
shown. Maybe the key is to listen to ones emotional heart and until one has sorted out in
peace and love where one is, it is best not to express it, because it will not be used to Christs
glory.
Now I do trust you all come with a good heart, so maybe we can listen to each other in this
light. We need this because the issues being spoken of are not minor but foundational to
our lives and who we are in Christ.