The majority of discussions here are edifying and I am blessed by them; however, I haven't been on this forum as long as many of you here, and I must admit I find the bickering so grievous. I pray there's not a newbie to the faith who comes across the, at times, lack of love shown here. We end up looking like a bunch of hypocrites.
It goes against the greatest commandment, to love. And in this day and age, the brethren need to be united in love, not divided like a pack of pharisees. I can't find any scriptures where virtual name-calling has profited a man, or arguing over people's interpretations of God's inspired Word. Pride, it's all it amounts to... whose cup is more full of pride. It causes division, hurt, anger - all the unrighteous fruit of the flesh. What does it profit a man to be right? to be wrong? Isn't it better to be wronged then to put oneself on the throne? God knows our hearts, he looks upon the humble.
Scriptures that often come to mind when thinking of these things amongst our own brethren...
Mt 18:15
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Col 3:8, 12-13
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ...
Therefore, as Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
2 Tim 2:14-17
Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17Their teaching will spread like gangrene.
2 Tim 2:23-26
Dont have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lords servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Titus 3:2-11
... be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
"A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1) |
