by snowbird 39 Replies latest jw friends
I really appreciate your expressions of faith and your calm, rational demeanor amidst the heckling and baiting that often erupt on here.
Some of you have been in the WT, others of you may not have even seen the inside of a KH.
My question, how do you maintain your sense of balance when things get really heated?
I know prayer, meditation, and endurance are the hallmarks of being Christian, but do you ever get tired of it all?
Please, I'm being very sincere here.
Thanks to all.
Sylvia
yep.....you're not alone sylv......hang in there mrs......da ninja
From where you're sitting, you can't see me kick the cat.
A lot of what gets complained about annoys me as well. It is really tough to explain the behavior/statements etc of some so-called Christians. I don't like being lumped in with people so I try to explain that not every one is like that. Having been a witness I also recognize how many on this board got the attitudes/ideas they have. We're all on a journey together, I try not to throw sand into the engine.
Hi Sylvia
For me, it depends on what is being discussed and what kind of a mood I'm in lol!
I've learned not to allow myself to be baited. It sometimes becomes quite obvious that someone asking a 'sincere' question is absolutely not sincere at all. Other times, people are sincere - but they don't seem to really want to try to understand or even listen to what you're saying, they already have their own boxed-in opinions and aren't open enough to listen to what others are saying. As soon as I get a whiff of either of these, I step out of the discussion - why waste time on peope who aren't at all interested?
I've been 'shouted at' and insulted here more times than I can count.
I will not be baited, or bullied into accepting another's opinion any more.
And yes, it cuts both ways - some Christians can be equally guilty!
"This is my truth, now tell me yours"
No one's chained to their computers.
This was neither written nor expected to be taken in a spirit of complaint.
I'm just awed and humbled at the patience shown by the likes of Mouthy et al.
Sylvia
Sylvia, people like you and Mouthy are assets to the board.
The only time I get angry is when someone joins to try and "save our souls" and preach at us.
Thank you, my sister from up the road.
I hate preachiness, also.
I was never able to "bring anyone into the Truth" because I refused to badger and prod them as many others did.
Whatever we do and are has to proceed from the heart.
Sylvia
No matter if
Christian
A believer or
An Unbeliever...........
Common courtesy and
kindness are always in order
Expressing ones views is very
different from browbeating,
berating, mocking, and in general
making fun in a personal attack
of anothers views
It's NOT a way to win friends
and influence people
Hi snowbird,
This helps.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
I try and follow the Holy Spirit's prompts. My flesh wants to get into debate with some or worse but I am learning to turn away :)
You are never going to debate or overpower anyone into the Kingdom. After all they need the Spirit to draw them, open their eyes and convict them.
This is good to meditate on too :)
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
So have you been baptised in the Spirit? Acts 19 Acts 1:5 John 14:15-17 John 14:25-27
Without being filled with the Spirit it is going to be an uphill struggle.
All the best,
Stephen
