Have words ever felt tangible to you? At times, they jump off the page and you interact with them in a way that seems almost personal.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
I normally enjoy reading other blogs. They inspire me. I try to vary who I read to better understand different perspectives and most of the time I come away encouraged. Today was different.
The hate, disgust, contempt were palpable. Upon reading the blog itself and the comments below it, I just felt dirty.
And this was a Christian blog.
It was written to attack one particular subculture of Christians. The author attempted to be funny, but the accusations and assumptions were enormous. The irony was evident as the author and those commenting unleashed a fury of belittling comments about how they had been judged in the past.I am not saying we can’t have dialogue and discussion. We can and we should.
The difference is that dialogue and discussion is beneficial to the body of Christ, where as just unloading on an entire group does nothing but alienate and wound.
I understand we have probably all had bad experiences with certain groups in the past. I just want us to find more constructive ways to work through differences.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Philippians 2:3-4
I know what you mean, Matt. It’s difficult when you run across stuff like that because you know it’s not helping anything or anyone. Great job seeing that and then offering a call back to the love and grace of God. Thanks.
Thanks Jason. I know everyone has differences on some points, but it baffles me when fellow believers can be so malicious toward each other.
There is a fine line between having fun and making fun. Very good stuff Matt.
Appreciate the comment Michael. You’re right. I’m all for some witty discussion or even some satire, but it’s definitely easy to cross over that line and not even know it.
Jesus came to offer grace. We were given grace alone so that we could turn around and give it others. A lot of the time I think people perceive becoming a Christian as an end. When in reality it is only a start. Paul says in 1 Timothy chapter 1 that he was shown mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief. We did nothing to receive God’s grace. Realizing this changes who you are and you give grace, mercy and love not because you are a “Christian” and that is what Christian’s do but because you have been so radically changed by Jesus’ sacrifice you cannot help but do anything else. I am thankful for guys like you Matt keep searching and writing I am encouraged by you.
“you cannot help but do anything else.” that’s a good way of putting it. Thanks for contributing Nolan.