Edited: I wanted to say that I am sorry to anyone who was offended by my post as I had originally wrote it. I did do a very poor job of conveying what I was trying to say. First, I wrote that I had read several threads, that was an exaggeration on my part. I had actually only read to comments posted to two differing threads so for not choosing my words more carefully I am sorry and ask for your forgiveness. Second I did not mean to come across in my own writing as if I were judging another believers heart, there are times when it is truly difficult to tell the heart behind what a person writes, perhaps that is why I have so often been warned about taking an active part in this kind of forum. There is truly so much room for misunderstanding and I seem to have fallen into that trap once again. As for the rest of my post I should not have used words like boasting or pride but rather that it seemed as if there was a lack of brokenness. Of course in retrospect I realize now I have no way of really knowing what another is or is not dealing with and should have not posted at all. I would have been better just to ask the individual posters directly. I am sorry that I did not do so. I allowed some personal issues that I have been dealing with cause me to act first when I should have prayerfully considered. Ginnyrose was correct in her replies to me and I am grateful for her sharing this with me.

I am sorry for my post, I am uncertain at this point if I should remove the original post or not? In doing so I may cause more confusion because of the other posters I do not mean to do so I just hope anyone who reads this will accept my apology.

Please forgive me for my poorly written post.
God bless
maryjane



Greetings

I must admit I am feeling a bit confused. Lately I have read several threads with posters who have spoke about the sin in their life almost as if its something to boast about or as if they are proud of it. I have read many times where someone will say "I am the chief of all sinners" as if this is a good thing. I know that is not how they must be meaning for it to be taken but it does come across that way at times. Yes we are all sinners, and have dealt with sins in our lives through Christ Jesus yet shouldn't the attitude of our hearts be one of brokenness over our sin. I rejoice that I am forgiven but I am heart broken that my sin crucified Christ! I just don't understand this attitude that comes across as almost proud of past sins? When the apostle Paul first spoke those words I wonder if there was a smug smile on his face or if the sorrow he felt over his sin was not revealed in his eyes as he spoke of his sinful old man self? Some how I imagine that it must have been a very thoughtful moment for Paul when he spoke those words, a true realization of how deeply Christ loved him in order to forgive him of so much, not a flippant remark made lightly about his sin. Do we not...should we not grieve with the LORD over sin???

God Bless
maryjane

Sister, yes, we should grieve with the LORD over sin.

"Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."-Matthew 5:4.

May the God of all peace comfort us today,

Travis

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Travis

Yes, MaryJane, I noticed that too. That spirit is not quite in keeping with the Spirit of Christ which teaches us to press on to perfection, not to be comfortable in the midst of sin. It's turning the grace of God into lasciviousness to use His grace as a cloak for unrighteousness. His grace was meant to SAVE US FROM OUR SIN and now Christians want and try to use it to stay in sin!! God have mercy.

savedtoserve

--EDIT--
P.S. - Paul stated that for our sake, not for the sake of boasting. It was real, honest humility. And I've made that my own before, too, but have never been in any way proud of it. Rather, it's the confession of the broken heart and contrite spirit that is being utterly honest and real. But let me make this clear -- that same heart has NO DESIRE to stay in that condition!

MaryJane,

You know Brother Paul recounted his role in persecuting the church a number of times in the WORD...

What say if we leave this matter with the LORD?

Blessings,

ginnyrose

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Sandra Miller

edited to first post

MaryJane,

I did not notice anyone bragging about their past here on SI; I did see where there were a few who related how the LORD is convicting them and their response to this. But boasting? I may have missed it if it was.

When some posters were relating how the LORD is convicting them of .... I was so glad that people were listening and resolving to obey! This is such a rarity in today's world.

I know you want the best, MJ. God bless.

ginnyrose

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Sandra Miller

im sorry if i sounded like i was bosting

i was being honest

and i bromen and contrite spirit is some thing i believe in

a moarning over my falts

iv spent much time with tears over my falts

but i dont recall ever bring up the sins of my pass

god has set me free indeed from a wrechard life stile

of drugs, hate, drunkenss lieing ect

i would never boast about those things

but i confess i do boast that he set me free
from being a slave to sin

i dont have any desire to go back

ifear god
i wont even have one puff on a cigarett that is the past

old thngs have passed away
all things have become new

i can understand why you would over react

some people at times do boast about sin

and make the grace of god an excuse for sin

im sorry if i gave you that impression

your apolagy is verry humling to see
and i hope that when i over react at somthing
i would be as humble as you in my responce

verry incouraging for me to read
and is verry edafing

thank you for speking about what was on your heart

thanks

Sister MaryJane,

I wholeheartedly accept your apology and want to encourage you in saying thank you for apologizing and humbly posting this, many wouldn't do this as pride is pretty much gone when you humble yourself. Your humility is refreshing, also know that we have all had poorly worded threads that required some repentance and apology. God is faithful to forgive us our sins if we confess them.

Usually on the internet especially I usually give peoplet he benefit of the doubt because really its hard to know the tone and expressions of what people write. Oh Grace is so awesome!

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Matthew Guldner

Just wanted to say thank you for your kind response.

Thank you for allowing me this time here with you all and if you feel led please pray that I would very soon be able to find some mature Christian sisters to fellowship with who are committed to serving Jesus.

Thank you again for your forgiveness
God bless
mj