Did you ever want to smack someone upside the head?

[FreeInChrist]

I do....

I have family that thinks forums like these are dangerous. Within the same family are those that will ask me if I learn something , as I did today, and I mention it... and it does not sit well comes the comment did you get that from one of your forums? Like you people dont know anything and I am being misled....... OY Yet out of the mouths of those that should not throw stones gems of wisdom do not come

 

[Victoria]

I do....

I have family that thinks forums like these are dangerous. Within the same family are those that will ask me if I learn something , as I did today, and I mention it... and it does not sit well comes the comment did you get that from one of your forums? Like you people dont know anything and I am being misled....... OY Yet out of the mouths of those that should not throw stones gems of wisdom do not come

One thing I've learned as a Christian... the more open, & teachable you are, the smaller your circle becomes. Having a heart for the truth, even if it means standing alone (sound familiar w/ the pattern in the Bible?), shows God you don't desire to follow the herd. According to God, you're doing something right

 

[FreeInChrist]

One thing I've learned as a Christian... the more open, & teachable you are, the smaller your circle becomes. Having a heart for the truth, even if it means standing alone (sound familiar w/ the pattern in the Bible?), shows God you don't desire to follow the herd. According to God, you're doing something right

 

[Administrator]

But you have to love them.

What did Jesus say?

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Luke 23:34

 

[FreeInChrist]

But you have to love them.

What did Jesus say?

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Luke 23:34

Oh I do.... love them. They are family after all....

 

[civic]

I have a little side story to share that will tie into this topic. Last night we started up a new " couples" home group study at one of the elders house. The 4 men in the group are all involved and are leaders in our mens discipleship ministry at our church. One thing about the group I brought up would be there would have to be transparency because our wives ( we all have 40 plus years of marriage as couple) know us the best and what we say better be correct or there will be consequences . And the accountability was another one that was evident within the first group meeting.

So I say that to say this: My wife several years ago ( before this forum came into existence ) would get irritated because I would spend more time with online people than I would with people in person. I wasn't doing discipleship for a while and was involved in one home group. But right around the time this forum came into existence( we had another site before this one for a year) was about the same time our mens discipleship group started and I was very active ( still am ) and its going strong.

My wife brought it up last night how pleased she is to see the change over the past few years and the difference it has made. So now there is a nice balance with mens groups, church and now a couples group- We are all between 60-70. And I don't think I've seen this much excitement and anticipation with a home group as I saw last night as everyone shared what they wanted to get from the group on an individual basis, as a couple and as members in our local body.

So now my wife won't give me a bad time about being online with ya all

 

[JessicaEcuador]

Haha! That’s funny, Dad! I remember those days. you have come a long ways, back in a thriving men’s ministry and groups.

 

[Darby]

But you have to love them.

What did Jesus say?

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Luke 23:34

Right, we smack upside the head with love.

When a brother embarrass us, or hurt us in that place we are most vulnerable, it can feel like climbing a mountain to even tell them we forgive them, let alone to forgive them “from the heart” like God's word tells us to do.

It is not an enemy who taunts me —
then I could bear it;
it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me —
then I could hide from him.
But it is you, a man, my equal,
my companion, my familiar friend. Psalm 55:12–13