Great thread brothers. I too have been over critical of people at times, even though my heart was in the correct place, my spirit was not. I beleive in giving a harsh message/warning/rebuke when needed, but I need to make sure that my heart is correct with the Lord before I jump in that endeavour. If my heart is pure before the Lord, and I am speaking Biblical truth, then there is nothing wrong with that. If I am correct in my thought, but speaking with an unpure heart, I am guilty and in need of repentance... or in need of a godly man to rebuke me.
_________________Christiaan
I too have been over critical of people at times, even though my heart was in the correct place, my spirit was not. I beleive in giving a harsh message/warning/rebuke when needed, but I need to make sure that my heart is correct with the Lord before I jump in that endeavour.
_________________SI Moderator - Greg Gordon
The title of this thread may or may not be correct. Love is by far the greatest way to sharing the gospel, sadly, sometimes it comes through another avenue, not as effective, yet still be effective. (A cold chill has just entered the room, hehe)I have no arguments if anyone should disagree with these verses, I am merely pointing them out. Phil 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.Philippians 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.I take this to mean that even though some are called to preach, they are doing it reluctantly, yet they will do it anyway. They may do it for money, but Christ is still preached and to this Paul rejoices. I have known people to have come out of sever pastoral bondages and get free and go on leading fruitful lives. I can understand why Paul is rejoicing.
