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We are Commanded to Love Others. But do I have to LIKE you?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by righteousdude2, Oct 22, 2014.

  1. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    When I first joined the Baptist Board, I was drawn here to find some friends in the denomination! After all, it is a lonely world out there, at times.

    However, one of my very first posts was about restaurants not decorating for Christmas, and with that one post, I discovered that there is a vast difference between how we all believe. And my expectations took a huge hit. Almost like a kick in the groin.

    After seven years of being here, I have made some lasting friends, and that is a good thing, But the truth be told, as of late, there are newer folks that are kin to the older bitter folks that possess a rather acrimonious spirit. These folks do not wish to engage in debating a subject. They'd rather criticize, demean, humiliate, insult and provoke you for what you said and how you said it. I seriously believe that a lot of folks on this forum have with their hidden agenda, the desire to force you to lose it and be banned, or just be so frustrated that you leave!

    After seven years now, the truth is, I'm no longer hoping to make a ton of lasting friends? And I say that because many on, here is nothing more than snarky-mouthed bullies! Self-made spiritual bullies who love to mock others. And if the person they mock, mocks them back, they become all defensive and thing's heat up! So, what started out to be a debate becomes a no one wins situation!

    Over the years, I have lowered my expectations of others in order to survive. And I have no, and I mean NO, expectations that everyone on this board are going to like me-and that is an exceptable fact-but are we not commanded to love one another?

    It seems that loving others on this board is far from a realistic goal .... and the truth is if I had to attend the same church with a some of these folks, I'd change churches real quick! And that change would come in order to avoid the toxic spirits many of these folks exude from head to toe! Of course, they don't think they are toxic. Something like the dude in the Oval Office, they push the blame for disagreements unto the other person. And apologies for speaking ugly or getting all hot under the collar are always one sided.

    Now I'm under no illusions that we will all agree or disagree on issues, or topics, but I do believe we need to be civil, and that seems to be missing more often than not!

    So, I got to thinking. Jesus said we have to love one another. But honestly Lord, do I have to like some of these individuals?

    That is my question to you today. Sure we have to love others, but is it mandatory that we LIKE ONE ANOTHER? :love2: :smilewinkgrin: :BangHead:
     
    #1 righteousdude2, Oct 22, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 22, 2014
  2. matt wade

    matt wade Well-Known Member

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    Answer: Nope...there are definitely some people on here that I don't like. Right or wrong, that's how it is.
     
  3. The Biblicist

    The Biblicist Well-Known Member
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    No, you don't have to "like" anyone, as "love" does not necessarily demand sticky guey emotions, but it does include committment to what is right. This is a debate forum rather than a "fellowship" forum and I think that is why discussions are more intense and heated. I don't think many came to this forum for "fellowship" but for "debate" and testing the metal of what they have embraced. I am sure that you will meet "kindred spirits" and fellowship will be a result, but that is not likely in general.
     
  4. gigabyte71

    gigabyte71 Member

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    I have to agree with your observations of people here. I came here because another board I frequent, which revolves around a hobby of mine, is just so full of haters. Then I get here and can't believe the way some of the others respond on here, far more hateful, especially from people who claim to be teachers, preachers, and pastors.

    I knew a pastor who was very condescending, just like a lot of people on here, and you know how much the church he pastored grew?

    Sure isn't much of this going on..

    "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; " ~ Romans 12:10

    "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." ~ Philippians 2:2-4

    But more to your question, it is nearly impossible to fellowship with people you don't like.
     
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