Mar 28 2008
Does blasting someone bring them back to Christ?
Recently I’ve been exposed to several people who have for various reasons left their spouses. They do not live in Charlotte so I’m not divulging church members lives. Anyway, for whatever reasons these individuals are abandoning years of marriage and they have children. My first reaction is to want to hit them over the head and ask, “what are you thinking.” Years ago I might have reacted that way.
However, as I learn the grace message that God offers every believer, I can’t act that way anymore. I talked to one of these people recently and I just listened to them tell me why they were making their decision. I didn’t agree with them but I listened anyway. Then I told them that is not who they are in Christ. I told them that they were getting their identity wrapped up in what they do and that always leads to disappointment. This person has been blasted by many people because of their decision. I however asked how I could help and prayed for them. I also left the door open for more dialogue. They asked me if they could call me again.
A few days later I received an email from their spouse and they said their spouse said I was the only one who listened to them and seemed to care. Now I don’t say that to brag. What I’m saying is the other people cared but because they blasted and acted ugly, their message came across the wrong way.
This has taught me a lesson. I’m sorry for any hurt I may have caused people discussing issues on this site. I pray that we can talk about controversial issues with love, respect and concern. What do you think? Does blasting someone ever bring someone back to Jesus?
5 responses so far
Galatians 6:1 NLT says, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”
Gently and humbly is always the path to restoration. People make decisions that hurt themselves and others. I especially hate to see the damage it causes children, but that does not give me the right to judge if they are still a christian or not.
Mercy trumps judgement everytime! (Matthew 9:13 & Hosea 6:6)
Derek Turner’s last blog post..Please Volunteer
In my own experience, folks will, when confronted with sch things, either play the sympathetic “yeah, you show’em” thing, or blast away like you said. Few people seem to simply be objective and scriptural.
That’s certainly been what I’ve seen.
Bob Cleveland’s last blog post..Integrity in Membership the Pastorate
John 8:7 …let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!”
I always tell my children not to throw stones. Although we may not agree with another person’s words or behavior, we are not perfect either. Who am I to make judgment when I’ve made terrible choices in life? Yet God shows mercy and forgives me, why not extend that grace & mercy to others? Grace over criticism. Love over judgment.
Christine’s last blog post..Spring is Coming Or Not!
The scriptures are full of references regarding how brothers and sisters in Christ should treat each other, even with regard to counsel and correction. If we are to treat outsiders and pagans with “gentleness and respect,” as Peter tells us to do, we should treat fellow believers with at least that much, plus the love of Christ we have within us for them.
Actually, I was pretty amazed at the way you conducted yourself in the interview you did with Shirley Phelps Roper. That’s a classic! I am pretty sure I could not have stood there and listened to her without wanting to at least push her off the curb.
Lee’s last blog post..Are Denominations a Thing of the Past? (Part 2)
There are times in scripture where Jesus or prophets make what appear to be blasts of truth. At the same time what I believe was happening was a clear submission to the Father and simply passing on His words. All too often people blast in their own strength, own mind, own words, rather than seeking the Father for wisdom about how to speak and act. Jesus said that he never spoke anything but what the Father spoke. That is the standard we should aspire to, seekign to walk by the Spirit of God in all things.