Loving your enemies

[Utah]

more hiccups!

 

[atwhatcost]

When someone is firing arrows at you, is it smart to put up your shield or fire arrows back if you love them? Does one have to see the arrows of fire if they are behind their shield of protection? My God is my source of protection and refuge. I will hide behind Him and seek those things which are good, right, and pleasing in His sight. Suffering for the call of Christ is a part of that call. But it is God who chooses which battles we are to suffer for. For we cannot do anything against God's ultimate good purpose and plan. Sometimes a soldeir has to bandage his wounds before going out to fight again the good fight. But we fight back because we love. For we are to love all people and be a light unto them (Letting the light of Christ shine thru us).

I really do think some have come to attack you. If there was a way of unliking posts, I would have. I have responded when I thought people were unfair to you in most cases, but skipped it in others, because, like you, I believe a couple of them were people just darting a few arrows at you and running away.

The big difference is you see yourself as both a victim and a martyr. You're neither. You're not suffering for God. You're suffering because you think you are so far removed from others that your idea of loving is to hide behind something. (And that's not God.)

But, wow! You've just given me a frightening view of who you are. You're the little boy who believes God's battle is a place where you hide behind a shield counting your pearls and that's the definition of a martyr. Somehow, that also became the definition of love.

How easy it is to love from way high up in that mother-of-pearl tower. Then again, that's not love.

You remind me of my older brother. At the time, there were only three kids, and I, being the youngest, was stuck on the hump in the middle of the backseat in the car during long trip. Older brother would start shouting, "Ouch, ouch! Stop hitting me, Lynnie."

Well, I wasn't, but you can imagine where that went from there. He was the poor victim. So, yeah, you're the victim isn't working for me either.

(But you did prove you haven't given up on the last word here.)

 

[atwhatcost]

You accuse falsely. Nowhere do I claim that I am anything in and of myself. God alone has all glory, honor, and power.

Besides, Pauls garments could heal. Not that it was the power of Paul or the clothing in and of itself mind you. Why do you think his garments could heal? Was it because Paul lived in sin thinking he was saved?

Actually, you really have claimed that often enough. See my last post to you for examples.

And, oh, you're not Paul either.

 

[atwhatcost]

It was not meant as an insult, but I am merely telling you the truth. For that word I referenced which points to a verse is a part of Scripture. Also, Jesus says we can judge, as long as it is righteous judgement. You have put forth many more insults towards me in a way that was not loving (And with words that were not a part of Scripture). My intent is to use that word to not hurt you but for you to examine yourself (See 2 Corinthians 13:5). I say all of this in love (of course).

"Pearls before swine." Give me a break! We're not stupid. We actually know the placing of that word in scripture, so yes, you are calling us pigs!

And yes that is intended to hurt. (You're aim is off, but hey, that is you swinging.)

And no, that is not of God. That is the little boy behind a wall that he thinks is God's shield counting his pearls.

And, no, that's not from love. That's from feeling very much picked upon, which you aren't, (as much as you think you are, since you're all about wearing the martyr garb), but you have to believe that or you'd be stuck realizing you aren't quite as sinless or repenting as you think you are!

Which then kills that false god you have, because, in reality you do have some belief you are as good as Paul or Jesus. Again, skip left field. You're in the wrong stadium!

The water is sweet and refreshing, but if you don't want to drink it, that's on you. But, please don't think you are taking swipes so sneakily that no one is catching on. After all, you're talking to some of us who spent days on a thread about sarcasm. We did so, because, hey, we're good at it. You're not. You are, however, very sarcastic for someone who doesn't need to repent from something but once.

 

[atwhatcost]

Post numbers please.

286 is but one of those numbers.

 

[atwhatcost]

Has any one else noticed that well over 35% of this forum is exasperated responses to Jason's agenda.

Does anyone here really believe that Jason's tirades are worthy of that much attention?

I have not seen any troll on the forum waste as much of the forum's time and energy.


Or as effectively clutter the threads with nonsense.

Hubby (before he was hubby) spent even more time trying to disprove God to a woman of faith. Yes, it's worth it. As long as hubby took to get to the point where God simply "dinked" him (turned the light switch on), God gave that woman the patience to correct what he used to think.

I get not all of us have the heart to keep pushing the envelope. Honestly, I usually don't have that heart either, but as long as Jason is willing to fight for his cause, I am willing to take him on for God's cause.

And, he's not a troll. He's a little boy hidden behind a wall counting dirt thinking the wall is God's shield and the dirt is pearls.

Moses' staff is high in the air for me. I also think it's going to be a long battle.

 

[tribesman]

...it simply means you make mistakes..

Yes, that is what the 'holiness' crowd call their own sins...or "slip ups" was it?

 

[atwhatcost]

First, of all dear sir. There is no such thing as "trolls." There is a thing called "people"; And all people need the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ. When you say that a person is a "troll" you are debasing them. You are likening that person with something that is a monster from medieval fanstasy. It is not nice, nor is it a loving example of Jesus Christ to say such a thing to people. Second, there is no.... "my agenda." There is only Jesus Christ and His Word that I am striving to glorify. For if you disagree, smart remarks is not going to help your case (For such things actually work against you). Actually, you have to prove what you are saying is even remotely true by quoting the Word of God. For if you disagree with a Bible verse I have put forth or a verse I have alluded to, then lets be loving and respectful and talk about the Scriptures and not say childish things like.... "It's your agenda" or "such and such person is a troll", etc.

Oh, come on now! I get why you're disrespectful to Sirk, me, and a few others, but you're now talking to Marc.

Marc! The guy with the patience of Job and with the heart for God like Paul's heart. Cut out the dripping sarcasm of your highfalutin on him. Show respect to him, at the very least!

 

[SarahM777]

First, of all dear sir. There is no such thing as "trolls." There is a thing called "people"; And all people need the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ. When you say that a person is a "troll" you are debasing them. You are likening that person with something that is a monster from medieval fanstasy. It is not nice, nor is it a loving example of Jesus Christ to say such a thing to people. Second, there is no.... "my agenda." There is only Jesus Christ and His Word that I am striving to glorify. For if you disagree, smart remarks is not going to help your case (For such things actually work against you). Actually, you have to prove what you are saying is even remotely true by quoting the Word of God. For if you disagree with a Bible verse I have put forth or a verse I have alluded to, then lets be loving and respectful and talk about the Scriptures and not say childish things like.... "It's your agenda" or "such and such person is a troll", etc.

Internet troll - Meaning - Urban dictionary

A person whose sole purpose in life is to seek out people to argue with on the internet over extremely trivial issues. Such arguments can happen on blogs, Facebook, Myspace and a host of others.
The best thing you can do to fight an internet troll is to not answer..or report them.

Urban Dictionary: Internet Troll

What is an internet troll? - Wise geek

An Internet troll is someone who posts offensive, controversial, or divisive material on an Internet community. Trolls are an unfortunately common occurrence on many communities across the Internet, and there are various steps which can be taken to combat them. If you are currently struggling with an Internet troll, the best thing to do is to walk away, since trolls feed on attention, and they will usually disappear if they are ignored.

The evolution of the Internet troll was a slow process which began as computer users started to more widely adopt the Internet. At first, the term referred merely to someone who was “trolling” for a response or opinion, in the same way that fishing boats cast out large nets to troll for a catch. Over time, trolls grew more aggressive, and the term began to be used specifically to refer to someone irritating or hurtful. In this sense, a troll could be compared to the nasty creatures of Scandinavian mythology which are also known as trolls.



What Is an Internet Troll? (with pictures)

 

[Marian29]

In the Bible there is a whole slew of verses about loving your enemies. I have some thoughts and some questions on that...

Luke 6:27-36
V.35-36: Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate just as your Father is compassionate.

So here is what I am thinking:God loves everyone, even "bad people".

In my mind (and I don't know if God sees it this way, this is just how I see it) there is no such thing as "good" and "bad" people. There is just hurt people. when someone hurts me do I get upset? yes but I also wonder what they are hurting about too.

I think God put these verses in there because He knows hurt people, hurt people and he doesn't want that cycle to continue and the only way to break that cycle is to love those who hurt you. So then the focus is more on helping them than on yourself and how much you are hurt. Of course it is healthy to process your anger and hurt in a healthy way and I think part of that includes seeing that individual who hurt you as another hurt individual. I don't know if that's how it is and I'm not claiming to know the heart of God but I am just saying what I have seen from my experience.

So what do you think about this?

Also, Romans 12:19-21 states that if you are kind to your enemies it will be like heaping burning coals on his head. Why did it say that? It's like "be nice to your enemies so they suffer." I don't get that. I mean is it saying "be nice so the natural consequences come about to that person and they change for the better." or what? I'm all confused. Thoughts?

I just know that the Love from God can transform. We say we forgive one another, but in the next day here we are remember someone mistake again and getting hurt again, or hurt other one again. The Love of God is not a natural love, is an impossible love and He can work with this love in your life if you ask, I believe. I could only forgive after I knew the great love of God to us and His Promises.
Humanity is going to its final time, and it will indeed get worse. But we, believers, as citizens of two worlds, of this we live and the one we're going to live new perfect life, we can have true hope. To look to the past and someone faults is to live in delay of blessings.

 

[Sirk]

Has any one else noticed that well over 35% of this forum is exasperated responses to Jason's agenda.

Does anyone here really believe that Jason's tirades are worthy of that much attention?

I have not seen any troll on the forum waste as much of the forum's time and energy.


Or as effectively clutter the threads with nonsense.

As for me...I'm just glad that the Jesus I know settles for progress and doesn't demand perfection. 2 Peter 3:18

 

[Rhythm801]

I have a hard time with that as well, to love my enemies. And sometimes we really might not know "who " is our enemies as well. In this day and age, a lot of people will not give you their trust and they put up these walls around themselves that only a few will even be able to relate to them. Let's face it , sometimes you have to show caution when dealing with strangers too that you don't really know.

But you know that God does not love everyone like everyone thinks he does! Did he love the people of Sodom when he sent Fire from heaven to destroy the city? Or when he had the Israelite's come to take the promised land, do you think that it was given to them on a silver platter? No they had to fight for it, against God's enemies too.

Bible also says that HE hated Esau and loved Jacob. How much love did Yahshua show when he made a cord of whips to use on the money changers to get them out of his temple? My house shall be called a house of prayer , but you have made it a den of thieves?

 

[GardensBeyond]

True Love is not in this world.

But the Lamb of God showed man what true love is..

Our Father has great patience.
He made a covenant with mankind so they won't be destroyed.
He sent the Lamb to offer a way of clnsing and to remake us.

only HE knows the Heart of man.
Theres much to say.

Romans 12:19-21 , He speaks of Spirit.

Good overcomes evil.
Man IS darkened in their thoughts.
By showing love..they awaken to the Light.
Then, they understand.
Man is Born with The Spirit of Truth, then is shaped and created by Grace in Jesus until we leave this world.


May He guide,
Seek the Father within, this is the secret place. (your heart)

 

[cmarieh]

No one knows how to love unless they have an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, for he is love

 

[Danacovert82]

Everyone sins. EVERYONE!!!!! That DOES, AND WILL INCLUDE YOU TOO Jason. You're not perfect, and you never will be. And this whole thread was about love? Ha!!! I'm not seeing the love we are required to show people. I don't care if all this is sarcasm. It's not to me. Never has and never will be.

 

[JFSurvivor]

I have a hard time with that as well, to love my enemies. And sometimes we really might not know "who " is our enemies as well. In this day and age, a lot of people will not give you their trust and they put up these walls around themselves that only a few will even be able to relate to them. Let's face it , sometimes you have to show caution when dealing with strangers too that you don't really know.

But you know that God does not love everyone like everyone thinks he does! Did he love the people of Sodom when he sent Fire from heaven to destroy the city? Or when he had the Israelite's come to take the promised land, do you think that it was given to them on a silver platter? No they had to fight for it, against God's enemies too.

Bible also says that HE hated Esau and loved Jacob. How much love did Yahshua show when he made a cord of whips to use on the money changers to get them out of his temple? My house shall be called a house of prayer , but you have made it a den of thieves?

hmm...you make some very valid points. I think it takes a lot to get God angry because it says that He is a patient God. He is also a just God who is smarter than us, smart enough to know the proper punishment to give. We are not just. We cannot make the decision of whether or not a person is good or bad. That is up to God.

As for the money changers...Jesus has emotions just like us (sorta) and you can be angry at someone and want to punch their lights out and still love them. How do you think a parent feels when their 16-year old crashes their shiny new car that was a birthday present because he was going 90 mph! Their's probably a lot of relief that he's ok but also some anger because of his stupidity but they still love him. Of course they are going to punish him but they still love him. They may yell at him and slam doors but they still love him. Make sense?

Also can you give me a verse for the He hated Esau thing? I wanna look at it in context. Thanks!

 

[Sirk]

Has any one else noticed that well over 35% of this forum is exasperated responses to Jason's agenda.

Does anyone here really believe that Jason's tirades are worthy of that much attention?

I have not seen any troll on the forum waste as much of the forum's time and energy.


Or as effectively clutter the threads with nonsense.

Everyone sins. EVERYONE!!!!! That DOES, AND WILL INCLUDE YOU TOO Jason. You're not perfect, and you never will be. And this whole thread was about love? Ha!!! I'm not seeing the love we are required to show people. I don't care if all this is sarcasm. It's not to me. Never has and never will be.

Ive walked the halls of Jason's loony bin more than I should have trying to show him the way to the exit but as it stands he wants to remain a patient there. I think a different tact may be required at this point and that is to just let him converse with his fellow inmates.

 

[cmarieh]

Everyone sins. EVERYONE!!!!! That DOES, AND WILL INCLUDE YOU TOO Jason. You're not perfect, and you never will be. And this whole thread was about love? Ha!!! I'm not seeing the love we are required to show people. I don't care if all this is sarcasm. It's not to me. Never has and never will be.

I don't believe Jason has ever admitted that he is perfect. As you have said everyone sins, however we can't use that as an excuse to not live according to God's word. I stumble and fall, but it isn't like I look forward to sinning because that is wrong and when I do, I repent and turn away from what caused me to sin in the first place.

 

[Rhythm801]

God Bless you!

 

[skylove7]

My grandma used to say " You can love anyone...but it doesnt mean you like their ways"