Heap Coals of Fire

[tsth]

I would be curious then, how to correctly divide the passages from Isaiah?

In His Love,

Suzanne

[Guest Calamity]

OK, SBG, that's what I originally thought. That "enemy" meant non-Christian", because all Christians are part of the Body of Christ, and how could you count one as an enemy? I'm still confused.

[Guest Calamity]

I would be curious then, how to correctly divide the passages from Isaiah?

In His Love,

Suzanne

Suzanne, I haven't looked up the Is. passage yet, but does it mention the word "enemy" anywhere, or just "brethren that hated you"?

[Guest Calamity]

2 Thessalonians 3:

14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

That's good, right there, SBG.

[WayneB]

I would be curious then, how to correctly divide the passages from Isaiah?

In His Love,

Suzanne

How is brethren used by Isaiah?

Brethren as in fellow believers or brethren as in fellow Jew?

It appears the prophet was distinguishing between the true believer and those who were following their own desires. He was relaying a warning.

Isaiah 66:

5 Hear the word of the LORD ,

you who tremble at his word:

"Your brothers who hate you,

and exclude you because of my name, have said,

'Let the LORD be glorified,

that we may see your joy!'

Yet they will be put to shame.

6 Hear that uproar from the city,

hear that noise from the temple!

It is the sound of the LORD

repaying his enemies all they deserve.

The only enemies we have are those who are enemies of the Most High God.

Blessings,

Wayne

[tsth]

I do find it interesting that they are referred to as "brothers" at all?

Oh well, I guess that is for another topic?

Thanks Wayne.

In His Love,

Suzanne

[Guest Calamity]

Okay, with all this being said, what response are we biblically supposed to give to a brother or sister in Christ who is treating us as though we are an enemy for no reason other than differences in belief or churches that we attend? Avoid them? Not worry about it? Be nice when we are around them even though they are not? Act as though nothing is happening? I know what my flesh says, but what are you supposed to do in an ongoing situation like that? I've been doing the "be nice" thing all this time, but they are only getting worse towards me. I also believe they are involved in a cult-type church, which is why we left, and are more involved in it than ever. What to do? This is family, not just acquaintances, and it is a hard situation to be in.

[WISDOM]

Thanks Wisdom. I have never heard that in detail that way. I was thinking that the "coals of fire" had something to do with the afterlife and hell's fire, and that's why it was stumping me that it could be referring to a Christian, even though Christians can certainly do others wrong.

So, if a Christian is doing you wrong, for nothing that you've done to them, but say, differences in belief, you should a) ignore it/them - b) smother them with kindness at every opportunity (the coal heaping thing), or c) act towards them in such a way that they realize they're doing wrong? or what?

If you choose to follow our FATHER's way Calamity, I would say "b" is the correct response. The problem is most of us in all honesty tend to exude actions more in line with "a" & "c", unfortunately.

[Guest Calamity]

Thanks, I"ve been being nice throughout this whole ordeal, and I'll try to just keep on doing that. It's really hard since it has caused a rift in my hubby's family.