Isn't tenderheartedness a mandate we find in the Bible?

To concentrate upon the 'tenderheartedness' of verse 32 and ignore the mandates of verse 31 is foolishness.

Christ was the very epitome of tenderheartedness but He did not let it keep him from calling Peter "Satan" when he deserved it.

Folks here are trying to do you a favor, but you just don't get it.

 

When you wrote, "I have observed many here who seem to think themselves above others and speak in ways that in our church would merit discipline." That is a judgment. If you believe that then you must follow the biblical mandate in Mt. 18.

What is your standard of liberal and conservative? I take the position that so many in churches today hold to conservative theology but live like practical atheists. That is about as lukewarm as one can get.

What is JUNK? I just happen to believe that a large majority of churches are dead or dying and not very many are making disciples. Does that mean if I walked into your church that I should judge your church by what I believe is important. I believe that genuine discipleship is extremely important. If 100% of the congregation were not actively making disciples does that mean they should be asked to leave?

Tenderhearted is being compassionate. When I look at Jesus in the gospels I see a person who loves others and stands up for the lowly in society. I would never treat a new believer the same as a troublemaker. Chrisitanity is more about exemplifying Christ than arguing over various doctrines. One can know all about various doctrines and still not love.

 

Oy!

FTR, some of us may be uncomfortable with your use of the word "gee".

I have been here for just a little while now. On my first day I was a bit taken back by the politics forum. Things can get downright nasty in there. On the other hand, I've found this place to be thought-provoking, kind, and loving---even when someone might disagree with me (which, let's be honest, who would? LOL!). The BB gives everyone a chance and treats everyone with the same regard. What the BB doesn't like is a newbie coming in and rebuking before getting a feel of what the board is really like.

My advice---step back. Read as much as you can. Then when you've gotten a feel for the place, jump in. Of course when you jump in, you needn't have your feelings sticking out too far. They're just debating---not ripping you apart.

Christians can get along, as displayed right here on the BB. Give it a chance. It might grow on you.

 

Okay. Whatever.

May God bless you also.

 

I don't know if you were aiming in my direction or not. I think I only made one post telling you to take a rest, observe more, and "speak less". I don't believe that can be characterized as ripping at you.

Can you really take it? Your posts are testimony that you cannot.

 

The beam in the eye blinds some to their true condition.

 

Because of our flesh (sarx):

Galatians 5

15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Every brother/sister will eventually disappoint/offend you.
It's just what we do, often times unaware that we have offended another.

James 2
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Here is what to do Harold: As much as is in you, forgive and forget.
See the hornet's nest this thread stirred up?

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.


A debate and/or a challenge shouldn't turn into an argument.

There is however a time for discipline and harshness to protect the flock, and to attempt to modify the behavior of the offender, that's different.

HankD
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I have no ax to grind with you. If I did not care I would not even take the time it takes to write this. However I think you are completely missing the point that several others including myself are trying to make. Personally I find your postings to be riddled with judgments that I find are wrong doctrinally and lack an understanding of ministry and discipleship. One can know all about doctrines intellectually and not even be a believer. The demons believe and shudder. Your understanding of "know" is not the "know" of the Bible. I would suggest that as you read the gospels notice how Jesus treated people, the words he used, and the care he gave. Then contrast that to the self righteous he condemned. As you read the gospels try and see which category you are in.

Sometime do a word study on the word "know." It goes far deeper than just knowing doctrines.

 

gb, I think you are wasting your time. The righteous shall live by faith and not by self-proclamation to the detriment of others.

My righteousness is not determined by comparing myself to others. I can always find someone who is lower on the totem pole than I am. There's always someone I can point a finger at. But, when I compare myself to Christ, I fall far short of the mark. I find that the real finger is pointed at me. My self-righteousness (no matter how good it may be compared to someone else) is as filthy rags when compared to Christ.