Courtesy and respect

[SpiritLedEd]

In the last few days, there has been continuous debate on one or two theology issues that has been disturbing to me.

The issue revolves around courtesy and respect toward others, particularly those who do not share one's point of view.

Lately, debate often seems to degenerate into biting sarcasm and, sometimes, insult.

Those of us who profess to be Christians need to keep in mind Jesus' words in John 13:35, "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples , that you love one another,"

[yomotalking]

It is not wrong to state your views.

So long as they do not offend others, or are rude.

I have to admit, we do have some threads that go haywire, but, hey, we're humans.

I would just say, know that the other people have feelings too.

[DaniJ87]

WOF??? what does that mean???

iron sharpening iron, and sword against sword, does not mean that we are to be crude with each other, or attack people. If someone wants to debate, this does not mean that they want to be targeted and insulted because of what their position is on something. If we believe someone is wrong, we are to tell them in love- and when you do something in love, it does not include insults. It may be insulting to the person- but only for the reason that they do not want to acknowledge that they have an error in their thinking. All attempts at changing someone's views, should be done in light of, and including, scripture. If you can't remember the verse- don't say anything until you find it. There are also issues that are matters of Christian liberty- I can listen to contemporary music- but that doesn't mean that hymns are bad. I can choose not to listen to contemporary music- but that does not mean that everyone else must also, to be Godly. If an issue falls under the category of Christian liberty, it means that you should be understanding of that when you debate it. Say what YOU believe about the subject- not that the other person is stupid or ignorant or ungodly or misguided, just because they don't agree with you. Remember that a debate is a debate- it should not cause you to treat the people with less love, just because you debated with them. A debate is not supposed to be an attack on a person individually, but on what they think or believe.

I am not saying that serious issues should not be addressed- but that it should always be done in love and in accordance with God's word- not "I think you're wrong, and so I am going to insult you and bully you into agreeing with me."

[Giaour]

Some people just have to find objection to every single topic posted.

We could open a topic on raggedy anns hair color and someone would type that raggedy ann is evil and so are we for having a pagan idol in our possession.

Christians need to stop being so judgemental towards the most innocent of topics. Stop finding evil where there is none.

Stop calling eachother pagans for everything they disagree with.

Sheesh people , lighten up already.

[Keith]

its ok---I really am calm---I just hate "luke" warm brethren crying foul and sittin on the laurels of "world peace"---

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why would you hate any brethren?

Some are gifted in areas of debate. They are those who do it respectfully and temper their words and attitude. Some just debate out of selfishness, pride, love of battle and the need to be right.

Some are gifted to be peace makers. And then there are some who don't care who they strike down with their iron, as long as they come out ahead. There is a time for iron to sharpen iron. And there's a time to sheath your sword.

It's all about motives. True, heart motives.

[Keith]

no one---ABSOLUTELY NO ONE---changes anothers mind or heart...

it is STRICTLY---the Holy Spirit who changes hearts---REGENERATES THEM--to hear the word and believe.

we---DO NOT have the power---to do it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Then brother, why do you try so hard to do the changing? If it is the Holy Spirit who changes hearts, and I agree with you there, then shouldn't our words and attitude be like His?

who said anything about degrading someones character---

sharpening one anothers swords ONLY BENEFITS---our walk and commission in the Spritual war we are fighting....

if one brother has WEAKENED his own shield and dulled his own sword---

you are saying we should tell that soldier---its ok---?

never been to boot camp I take it.

a soft marine is a dead one.

go ahead---keep encouraging brethren to drink tea, and wait for the war to come to your doorstep.

let the soldiers do battle, the way they've been called to.

Mark, we simply cannot force our life experiences on others. There is a place for battle and a place for drinking tea. God doesn't command us to operate like boot camp. You said, "never been to boot camp I take it." Most people haven't, do you realize that? Does that surprise you? You also said, "a soft marine is a dead one." That may be good for a marine, but Christians are not marines. The Holy Spirit does not yell and shout orders at anyone. He does not act like a drill seargent and curse and degrade people in order to behave as they should. Your analogy is off and highly inappropriate.

You say to "let the soldiers do battle, the way they've been called to." Well, Christian's are not called to do battle with each other. Another point in your analogy that is misused. And, to be honest, if you speak to nonChristians the way you speak to people here, I can't imagine any of them even wanting to know Jesus personally. It simply is not the way Jesus acted towards the multitude.

What I'm trying to politely say, brother, is that you are coming across like a bull in a china shop. At ease, soldier.

[angels4u]

mark l malone,

Ever heard of eating humble pie?

It sounds to me that you have all the answers?

[nebula]

Lately, debate often seems to degenerate into biting sarcasm and, sometimes, insult.

Good observation.

And I don't see how such fits under the category of "tough love."

[Keith]

lighten up?

some peoples lights burn others behinds out of the comfort they live in.

"love"---a generic term for "be nice, dont stir the waters"

not biblical.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Our Holy Father, the Lord of Glory, does not force anyone to do anything. How then can you? He does not try to "burn others behinds" out of anything. They must make their own decisions.

As for your love comment and definition, I would like to ask you... What is your definition of love? Is it evident in your demonstration and words on the boards? Is it biblical love? If so, please explain so that I might understand where you're coming from.

[NITE OWL]

A good example of your topic can be found right here in this thread.