Where is the Gentleness and Humility?

I guess being humble and realizing are faults is the key to not realizing the faults of others. Being able to forgive is a gift from the Holy Spirit. By forgiving others you are shown Mercy from God.

I've been on this site for about a month now. This is my first Christian chat room experience. I've had a few not so good encounters that I wouldn't have expected to have coming from a Christian site. It's a bit discouraging and will definitely test your Christian faith. We need to stay sharp and stay focused on The Holy Spirit.
I know that a person who lives by the Christian faith would never condemn a non-Christian or anyone for that matter. I've come across non-believers that are self professed atheist's that act more like Christians in their actions then some self professed Christians do. I would even say that there reward in heaven is great. It's like they have the gifts of the Holy Spirit but they won't acknowledge where there gifts come from. This really breaks my heart because my Father is one such person. He does so much charity for people. asks and most of all expects nothing in return. His actions inspire me, and help me see the the light in being charitable.
I would like to consider myself a Christian. This Is what is most important in my life and always will be, God willing.

I’m dismayed at how so many so called ‘believers’ interact in these Chat forums--not all but several interact with arrogance, condescension, and sarcasm--I’m truly surprised that these individuals are not warned or banned from the site. Debating a point can and ought to be done with kindness and gentleness--there is no reason to be rude. We are called to be salt and light in the world--if an unbeliever were to read some of the posts, I can’t imagine they’d want anything to do with Christianity. Also, it seems they often argue/debate simply for the sake of arguing, not to glorify God or to bring light to Truth--they go round and round--it’s like beating a dead horse. And note too, if you call these ‘believers’ out on it, instead of being apologetic, they, like the Pharisees and Sadducees become defensive.


“12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”--Colossians 3:12


“2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”--Ephesians 4:2


“5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”--1st Peter 5:5


11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Everyone listen, the answer is very simple. There's an ignore function for a reason. I have many people on ignore simply because they know how to push people's buttons and are looking for a fight. At the first sign of this, into the ignore bin they go. Problem solved.

I totally see and agree with your comments. I’ve noticed it for years and have concluded this: I welcome any and all into the forums. A tree is known by its fruit. The more anger, and impatience they display, the weaker their testimony. The site is full of sheep and goats. Notice the goats didn’t know that they were goats at the judgement. Joyce Myers made a comment before about testing the ripeness of fruit in the grocery store. You squeeze it. The goats give a fantastic opportunity to the sheep to “squeeze their fruit”. The debates are a crucible to assist in the purification process of the believers. To purify a great amount of heat is required. Some of these debates can get quite heated. In the end the sheep are revealed as are the goats and sometimes wolves. To eliminate this process by muzzling the wolves, you never get the opportunity to hone your skills at defanging them. Then when faced in the workplace or even at church when one arises the sheep scatter. We as Christians are supposed to be peaceable and loving, that’s how to spot the imposters. They discredit themselves and weaken their pseudo gospel.

Don't get me wrong. I totally agree with what your original post is, but it was open-ended. Like I saw that you expressed dissatisfaction or annoyance about something, but I didn't see what the correction should be.

What do you suggest that those with no gentleness or humility do to remedy their problem?

I have no one on ignore. I believe that no matter what someone says or does to me personally, I cannot help them and love them if I've placed them on ignore.

The reality is that people have bad days, burdens, and go through things we have no idea about. Often snide, snarky, and rude comments are a a sign of someone's unhappiness. Knowing they are ignored now only reinforces their state and confirms to themselves why they are lashing out to begin with.

We need to reach the hearts of people with love and patience. Try to view people with sympathy.

Runningman,
I guess you didn't read the entire posting--I posted verses--for Christian the Bible is what tells us how to live, not individuals.

Thank you for your kindness Laura, I am sorry about your experience on this site and I'm sorry to see you go. This site definitely needs more compassionate people like you. You know it's sad if you have simple good intensions in the world and some people just want to twist it up and make it complicated. I really enjoyed reading you posts and if you decide to stay I would be interested in what you have to say.
Blessings to you to, Mario

I disagree--Christians DO call other Christians to account when behaving badly. Also my point of 'ignoring' is to NOT engage them in their negativity--don't get in a verbal sparring match. Please find one verse in the bible that gives excuses for people's bad behavior--"Oh they're just having a bad day"--TRUE Christian are not rude to others as a way to vent--and I'm not talking about one offs-there are people in the forums that have a PATTERN of rudeness.

Oh I saw those, but those don't say anything about how to be sincerely gentle and humble. I mean, people can fake their way through it, but that isn't good enough.

It's only good enough if it is sincere. How does someone be sincerely gentle and humble from the heart?

i do mind. it's doesn't help considering the subject. rather insensitive really. but that's why i'm getting off this site--so much unkindness.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NKJV)
4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Tell me how ignoring someone is even remotely close to showing love?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NKJV)
4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Tell me how ignoring someone is even remotely close to showing love?

I did wonder how you would respond to correction given with good intentions free of
any rancor, and your response is germane to your topic, for it is part of the problem itself.
I do understand that the word complain carries a negative connotation, though given
what it really means, lamentations being the passionate expression of grief or sorrow,
and also a very Biblical word, I had hoped you might accept that a proper word had been
used in the first place, and I am sensitive to your plight, though you seem to have now
tossed me into the bin with those you have labeled so-called Christians walking in darkness.