Mat and all,
Although we do not want to sit in the seat of judgement of others, does not
the example of Paul in all his letters reveal to us that we too are to not
let our fellow Christians falter if we see witness of the scriptures
being dismissed in a situation or conduct? Is it unjust to sit and watch a
fellow Christian sway off a precept or principle of God? Was Paul judging
Peter when he corrected him of preaching all are equal in God's eyes but
then himself not eating with the gentiles, He tells the Corinthians that he
has heard some are saying they are of Paul, and others saying they are of
Apollo, and so forth, he says this ought not be. He corrected them. Was he
judging them? Nay, he was encouraging them to be what the scripture and God
has told us we ought be, not condemning them for not being it, but helping
on the straight and narrow path. None of us are beyond being corrected.
This is how we learn, this is how we are kept accountable for our witness
to others as a Christian. I view judgement quite different than corrective
encouragement. If I were to tell you all about an affair I had with
someone, and how freeing I felt in that affair and on and on and on and on,
would someone not tell me that is wrong. That I am not following the
covenant I took with my wife. Would not someone tell me I am violating what
God has said in scripture? Granted there are ways of saying so without
wacking their head off with a page of the bible, but nonetheless I'd hope
someone would help me see the light. Be it a huge matter or one of a simple
white lie or however trite it may seem, if the Holy Spirit prompts one to
bring about helpful information and correction, I believe it is wrong to
ignore that.
At 12/15/2003 on Monday, Matt wrote:
>Hi Carol, thanks, I think it a good thought.
>Also, you said the following.
>
>What I'm saying I'm applying to my own mind and heart and not to anyone
>else's, by the way!
>
>That's the important thing I think.
>When we apply it to others we flurt with or fall into judging others and I
>think the bible tells us that god frowns on this.
>I actually wrote Phil off list and wondered allowed whether my response to
>Chris's original message was witnessing or judging because I was concerned
>about that.
>I am trying to apply the lessons of the bible in my own life and I can't
>help but assess situations and wonder what the bible has to say about them.
>I am not trying to tell people to listen to me and do what I say or else.
>hahahah
>I am not the one to bring judgement.
>I know, sometimes, when we share relevant info from the bible that it
>appears that we are doing this though.
>
>Take Care,
>
>Matt
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