Matthew 18

[traveller]

AK - if you receive unwanted PMs, and are blocked from them - then report it to the mods. We will contact the offending party. If it then continues, then yes, it is harassment, and such action will be dealt with.

[apothanein kerdos]

So it's the person's fault if they get offended and can't reply?

My entire point in this is me wondering if doing that, sending a nasty PM and not allowing the person to respond, counts as harassment.

Furthermore, I think if someone is going to act like a moral authority and confront someone via PM, it only makes sense that they're willing to hear back from the person.

Well, I'd say if they write you a nasty PM, but don't enable you to reply, then that speaks volumes about their credibility.

That's what I was thinking.

Shalom AK,

I usually ignore your posts, but since I know your motivation here, I'll reply this time, but I won't be reading or replying to any more of your posts.

Loving criticism according to Matthew 18 is not a "nasty" PM. If a brother or sister reaches out to another to try to help them by pointing out something that may help them in their walk, this is G-d's Word and the person is being obedient. As I said before, the person who receives the PM should take the content of the PM to the L-RD humbly and see if there be any truth to it. They should not take the PM to their buddies and it's not necessary to reply to the person. It needs to go to G-d. And, if the PM is in the spirit of Matthew 18, no, they should not get offended and angry and should not gossip about it to everyone else but G-d.

Now, if someone sending a harassing or rude ot "nasty" PM and there is no edification or truth in it, the person, again should take it to the L-rd, pray for the writer, forgive the writer and report it to the Moderators.

If the person is unsure WHICH it is, loving rebuke or just ol' nastiness, they should seek the L-rd, and send the PM to the Mods to decide. The Moderators can contact the person if it is determined it is harassment, as this violates TOS.

Over and out! thumbsup.gif

So why is it okay to block a person from replying? Are they not worthy of rebuking the other person?

[RedeemedByHim]

If you're going to send someone a PM pointing out all the flaws you see in that person, make sure you don't have that person blocked, or that you are receiving PM's.

I don't know who your referencing here AK, but it happens alot. Somebody sends you a nasty, hateful PM, but when you try to respond they have you blocked. Talk about cowardly and un-Christian. And you can't go back to a thread and say anything because then they report you and YOU look like the aggressor. They do it that way on purpose, that way they can look all sweetness and light to everybody else..................unless your the one that rec'd the pm. Forward the pm to a Mod and put them on block, why suffer mean spirited, arrogant people. I think they should have their pm'ing and blocking privileges taken away. Maybe if they had to live with the consequences of their actions they would be more careful.

I find it really difficult to believe that such backbiting is extant at Worthy - I have had nothing but encouraging PM's. I'm so sad to hear that this happens. All I can offer is: let Jesus-in-you do the talking. And thank you to all those beloved brothers and sisters who have PM'd words of encouragement to me.

Blessings in Jesus,

Ruth

Hi ruth..I think it really depends on who you talk to. I have really great relationships with many people on here even with our disagreements on it...and I do learn alot on here...stuff I would have never thought about...

so when I do see it, it is sad to see...

[apothanein kerdos]

Shalom AK,

I usually ignore your posts, but since I know your motivation here, I'll reply this time, but I won't be reading or replying to any more of your posts.

Loving criticism according to Matthew 18 is not a "nasty" PM. If a brother or sister reaches out to another to try to help them by pointing out something that may help them in their walk, this is G-d's Word and the person is being obedient. As I said before, the person who receives the PM should take the content of the PM to the L-RD humbly and see if there be any truth to it. They should not take the PM to their buddies and it's not necessary to reply to the person. It needs to go to G-d. And, if the PM is in the spirit of Matthew 18, no, they should not get offended and angry and should not gossip about it to everyone else but G-d. The person getting the PM can decide whether to accept the advice or not.

Now, if someone sending a harassing or rude or "nasty" PM and there is no edification or truth in it, the person, again should take it to the L-rd, pray for the writer, forgive the writer and report it to the Moderators.

If the person is unsure WHICH it is, loving rebuke or just ol' nastiness, they should seek the L-rd, and send the PM to the Mods to decide. The Moderators can contact the person if it is determined it is harassment, as this violates TOS.

Over and out!

This is all subjective, hinging on whether the person sending the PM really has an issue. They might not. It might just be a personality conflict that has gotten blown out of proportion by one person or the other. Your reply infers that the person sending the PM is justified and that may not be the case, they might be as wrong as the day is long. They should at least be willing to hear what the other person has to say.

Matthew 18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

It says "between the two of you", which implies a dialogue, not telling the other person what they did wrong and then running away. The problem needs to be solved between the two parties. There is no way to do that if only one person can do the talking.

[Kabowd]

Shalom AK,

I usually ignore your posts, but since I know your motivation here, I'll reply this time, but I won't be reading or replying to any more of your posts.

Loving criticism according to Matthew 18 is not a "nasty" PM. If a brother or sister reaches out to another to try to help them by pointing out something that may help them in their walk, this is G-d's Word and the person is being obedient. As I said before, the person who receives the PM should take the content of the PM to the L-RD humbly and see if there be any truth to it. They should not take the PM to their buddies and it's not necessary to reply to the person. It needs to go to G-d. And, if the PM is in the spirit of Matthew 18, no, they should not get offended and angry and should not gossip about it to everyone else but G-d. The person getting the PM can decide whether to accept the advice or not.

Now, if someone sending a harassing or rude or "nasty" PM and there is no edification or truth in it, the person, again should take it to the L-rd, pray for the writer, forgive the writer and report it to the Moderators.

If the person is unsure WHICH it is, loving rebuke or just ol' nastiness, they should seek the L-rd, and send the PM to the Mods to decide. The Moderators can contact the person if it is determined it is harassment, as this violates TOS.

Over and out!

This is all subjective, hinging on whether the person sending the PM really has an issue. They might not. It might just be a personality conflict that has gotten blown out of proportion by one person or the other. Your reply infers that the person sending the PM is justified and that may not be the case, they might be as wrong as the day is long. They should at least be willing to hear what the other person has to say.

Matthew 18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

It says "between the two of you", which implies a dialogue, not telling the other person what they did wrong and then running away. The problem needs to be solved between the two parties. There is no way to do that if only one person can do the talking.

The bolded portion is an excellent observation! Thanks!

[Guest Biblicist]

Just because someone considers a PM nasty, does not mean it was written or intended in such a manner. It's a good idea to try to find out if that is exactly what was intended before jumping to such conclusions. Sometimes people can be so on the defensive that anything said by a person is seen as offensive and harrassment. Proverbs 18:19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

I guess sometimes it depends on what someone see's as sin. . . Is trying to "reason together" (Isaiah 1:18) in PM's, instead of in the forums, a sin? If PMing someone to help them understand your point of view better, or to work out a difference is not a sin, then Matthew 18 does not apply. If someone really is trying to make ammends with you or work things out; then not answering could be considered rude or cowardly. Since God expects us to live at peace with each other.

In the spirit of Matthew 18, if someone sends you a nasty PM then a response is necessary, if it is possible, to correct that person. 15b "go and show him his fault, just between the two of you." As Cobalt says, not going to the person to work it out "between the two of you" is wrong. Taking it to someone else before this step is akin to "tattling".

If they do not listen, then other's must be involved; 16 "But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."

The very last resort should be expulsion from the group. 17 "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."

What do you do if someone sends you a nasty PM and they block you? Forget about it. You can only take care of the things you can control. Leave the rest to God. Romans 12:18-20 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Sometimes the best answer is no answer. Proverbs 23:9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.

[apothanein kerdos]

Just because someone considers a PM nasty, does not mean it was written or intended in such a manner. It's a good idea to try to find out if that is exactly what was intended before jumping to such conclusions. Sometimes people can be so on the defensive that anything said by a person is seen as offensive and harrassment. Proverbs 18:19 An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

I guess sometimes it depends on what someone see's as sin. . . Is trying to "reason together" (Isaiah 1:18) in PM's, instead of in the forums, a sin? If PMing someone to help them understand your point of view better, or to work out a difference is not a sin, then Matthew 18 does not apply. If someone really is trying to make ammends with you or work things out; then not answering could be considered rude or cowardly. Since God expects us to live at peace with each other.

In the spirit of Matthew 18, if someone sends you a nasty PM then a response is necessary, if it is possible, to correct that person. 15b "go and show him his fault, just between the two of you." As Cobalt says, not going to the person to work it out "between the two of you" is wrong. Taking it to someone else before this step is akin to "tattling".

If they do not listen, then other's must be involved; 16 "But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses."

The very last resort should be expulsion from the group. 17 "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."

What do you do if someone sends you a nasty PM and they block you? Forget about it. You can only take care of the things you can control. Leave the rest to God. Romans 12:18-20 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Sometimes the best answer is no answer. Proverbs 23:9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words.

How do you do all of that if you've been blocked though?

My point in this is that it's wrong for ANYONE, on the boards or in life, to confront someone and not allow them a chance to respond.

[traveller]

WARNING WARNING WARNING - Danger Will Robinson -

We frown on hit and run PMs. At least I do. How can you REASON TOGETHER if you cut off access for the other.

I agree with what was said about not letting it bother you, don't go down the same rabbit trail as the one offending you, etc. I agree wholeheartedly. Don't let them rob you, just like Wayne said.

On the other hand, if you are purposely being targeted, and unable to reason together - then report it. It if happens again, it will be dealt with.

The private message system is a privilege. Don't abuse it.

[apothanein kerdos]

WARNING WARNING WARNING - Danger Will Robinson -

We frown on hit and run PMs. At least I do. How can you REASON TOGETHER if you cut off access for the other.

I agree with what was said about not letting it bother you, don't go down the same rabbit trail as the one offending you, etc. I agree wholeheartedly. Don't let them rob you, just like Wayne said.

On the other hand, if you are purposely being targeted, and unable to reason together - then report it. It if happens again, it will be dealt with.

The private message system is a privilege. Don't abuse it.

[Vickilynn]

Just because someone considers a PM nasty, does not mean it was written or intended in such a manner. It's a good idea to try to find out if that is exactly what was intended before jumping to such conclusions. Sometimes people can be so on the defensive that anything said by a person is seen as offensive and harrassment.[

What do you do if someone sends you a nasty PM and they block you? Forget about it. You can only take care of the things you can control. Leave the rest to God. Romans 12:18-20 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord.

Shalom Bib,

Excellent points. I agree.