Oops?
Sometimes I think I am too easily offended. Not by things that non-Christians say so much as things that Christians (or so-called "christians", yeah - with a little "c" O_O) do or say. There's just a blazing fire in my soul that sparks when people who represent my Lord treat others badly, or do things that are against God, who they claim to love so dearly. I have such strong convictions about that kind of stuff.
So then I tend to doubt whether or not I should act on my convictions, because they may be misconstrued or misunderstood or just missed. Because we, as human beings, don't want to be told that we were wrong, and perhaps these Christians hate that even more - because they are so stuck on their own "holiness".
Anyway I have decided that it is scriptural that I must NOT hide my convictions. Read the epistles (that's the right word, right? for the letters...you know, Ephesians, Colossians, Romans...)! They're chock-full of Paul explaining to the people of different churches what they're doing that is hurting the church - and God Himself. He doesn't speak with hatred or anger against the people, but rather he speaks with passion and love towards them, that they might turn away from the harmful things they do to each other! And he is quite clear that Christians are to hold themselves and each other to a higher standard than that of the world - we who have been saved and sanctified by our Lord ought to be DIFFERENT.
So why are non-Christians so often more kind, patient, and loving to each other than Christians?
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people - not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or [list of different sins]. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is [list of sins]. With such a man do not even eat.
Meaning - it is NOT OKAY to be calling yourself a Christian and display non-Christ-like behavior. But --
Titus 2:11-15
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who game himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
These then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
--and--
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.
So watch out! Because someday I might have to tell you the truth - because I LOVE YOU!
So then I tend to doubt whether or not I should act on my convictions, because they may be misconstrued or misunderstood or just missed. Because we, as human beings, don't want to be told that we were wrong, and perhaps these Christians hate that even more - because they are so stuck on their own "holiness".
Anyway I have decided that it is scriptural that I must NOT hide my convictions. Read the epistles (that's the right word, right? for the letters...you know, Ephesians, Colossians, Romans...)! They're chock-full of Paul explaining to the people of different churches what they're doing that is hurting the church - and God Himself. He doesn't speak with hatred or anger against the people, but rather he speaks with passion and love towards them, that they might turn away from the harmful things they do to each other! And he is quite clear that Christians are to hold themselves and each other to a higher standard than that of the world - we who have been saved and sanctified by our Lord ought to be DIFFERENT.
So why are non-Christians so often more kind, patient, and loving to each other than Christians?
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people - not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or [list of different sins]. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is [list of sins]. With such a man do not even eat.
Meaning - it is NOT OKAY to be calling yourself a Christian and display non-Christ-like behavior. But --
Titus 2:11-15
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who game himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
These then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
--and--
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.
So watch out! Because someday I might have to tell you the truth - because I LOVE YOU!