Featured Friendliness

I don't know,but I have seen similar things all over. It happens in large cities like Sacramento, CA and in small towns like the one I live in here in northern MN.

I don't see it as selling myself on them - I just see extending grace and being friendly as the right thing to do.[/quote]

Also, the pastor seems to have difficulty remembering my name even though Ive met with him several times & have also spoken to him on the phone & via the e-mail. My name is very common like a Smith, Brown, Jones so ..... I just get the impression that getting to know me is a real low priority for this guy & his church. So then why would I want to rescripricate?[/QUOTE]

I cannot speak much to your situation because I do not know you or them. As someone who does have trouble remembering names and is extremely shy/quiet, I can only hope that a newcomer won't label/judge me to be unfriendly or uncaring based on a few sighting without trying to get to know me.

 

Brother, I am well aware of his posts and his low opinion of me and anyone he has deemed beneath him. I admit that some of this had angered me early on but I thank God for helping me to hold my tongue, for the most part. I admit I too have my moments where my self control is lacking.:saint:

There are two ideals that hit home for me this week.
1. Love and pray for those who mistreat you.
2. Forgive, or God will not forgive you.

 

I had to jump in on this one. I serve a very friendly and loving church but the vast majority is over 50. Recently I've had some younger adults visit and some of them dared to wear a hat in the sanctuary and at a fish fry that we sponsored. Almost immediately they are approached and asked to take off their hat. There was not "Hey, we are glad you are here." It's was more of a "how dare you wear a hat in here" kind of approach. IMO you don't hit young people who take a chance on attending an older congregation with that sort of thing right away if ever. So far, these visitors have not come back and I really can't blame them. Are we more concerned about the gospel or a hat on someone's head?

 

Well said, you are more gracious than me.

 

God is faithful to complete the work He started in us. I know I have a long way to go yet. Usually He speaks through my bride to let me know when I have been too harsh or just irritable.

To keep in the zone of this thread...He is making me, and others, more friendly. It requires, and begins with, a heart transplant.

 

You want to openly criticize my post for reasons I have no idea of and then you post this false garbage. Show me one post where I have said anything close to what you posted above or you are guilty of what you are accusing me of.

 

There are no enemies here. And if he had an issue with any of my posts then he should have pm'd me as would be the correct step given by scripture.

 

.................Never mind, the problem is obvious.

 

This is just not true in my experience. You do not seem to understand how hard this to overcome. At one time, I was so petrified of people that the thought talking to anyone sent me into convulsions. I have nearly passed out more times than I can count trying to speak to people. It has taken many, many, many years of extremely hard work just to get to where I can function halfway normal.

I highly doubt that the entire church you speak of is full of such extremely shy people, so there must be something else at work. Nevertheless, it is better to extend grace and be friendly even if you don't think they will respond in like manner.

 

'I and my Father are One!"

"here ole isreal , the Lord our God is One!"

NO disunity amomg them!