Critisim and War vs encouragement and Peace

[AmariYah]

May I just say that in the heat of discussion and debate it is easy to forget some of the mandates of scripture. I must first preface this thread with an apology; Please forgive me if I have come across as mean spirited, angry or rude! If I have offended anyone with my stubborness or opinionated approach I am sorry! Looking at god's word I am reminded that although I do enjoy a good political debate as well as discussing other controversial topics... it is imperitive that we do nevertheless treat each other with kindness and respect especially when and if we have disagreements. Otherwise what kind of example are we to those who are unsaved?

Now I would like to share this little tid-bit from the Bible and say that I myself will try to remember this always while discussing and debating here at Worthy!

" So then let us be always seeking the ways which lead to peace and the ways in which we can support one another" Romans 14:19 "So give encouragement to each other, and keep strengthening one another, as you do already." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We are to literally seek out the paths of peace and the ways in which we can support and edify each other, not simply wait and see if an opportunity presents itself. Our words can bring life and peace to others and if we share kind words with others it does indeed strengthen them and lift them up. Ephesians 4:13-16 makes it perfectly clear exactly what the function and purpose of the church body and especially the leadership should be; we are supposed to equip the saints, edify the body of Christ speaking the truth in love so that we can all grow up into Him who is the head of the church. We are to love one another by building each other up. It is much more common to see people, even people in the church, criticizing others and tearing people down rather than building them up, why? Too many people never received up-building and encouragement in their lives so they are deficient and in a sense 'running on empty'. As a result of this even if they have something to give they simply don't know how because they have never had a good example in their personal lives. However as believers we do have the perfect example in Jesus Christ our Messiah who encourages us to be confidant and 'fear not' and to be 'made whole' not remain broken and fragmented. Make a decision today that you will endeavor to become the kind of person who is an encourager, one who speaks words designed to edify and strengthen your fellowmen. Do not allow yourself to speak cutting words, nor to doubt and condemn others without even getting to know them, but speak powerful words of life and peace to others while recognizing how much grace and compassion you can initiate by speaking with careful purpose. "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing

[Leonard]

Thanks Amariyah! And when people disagree with me I need to remember the Scripture says "Comfort the feeble-minded...."

[Arthur Durnan]

Yes, certainly on an INDIVIDUAL basis, Matthew 5,6, & 7. On a NATIONAL basis, Romans Chapter 13 is right on for today. Lawbreakers require punishment. God has spoken in quite forthright fashion re the GOVERNMENT'S responsibility re upholding righteousness in the land.

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

[Guest yod]

AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!!

HALLELUYAH

[ted]

Amen.

Right or wrong, often times it is our presentation that reveals our fruit, rather than our position.

Good thread.

t.

[AmariYah]

Wow, it just occured to me while I was reviewing this thread that the whole teaching and revelation of edifiying and lifting up others with positive and encouraging words/ as opposed to putting them down and disrespecting them~

This really embodies exactly what the church is suppose to be like *

[hmh]

Wow, it just occured to me while I was reviewing this thread that the whole teaching and revelation of edifiying and lifting up others with positive and encouraging words/ as opposed to putting them down and disrespecting them~

This really embodies exactly what the church is suppose to be like *

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Amen brother! Even when we disagree we should not be disrespectful. Let's edify and bless each other each and every day.