End of

Luke Chapter 11







 

View All Luke Chapter 11 Discussion...

GiGi again's Luke Chapter 11 comment on 7/20/2022, 8:34pm...

Richard,

part 2

But when it comes to righteous indignation (or better, anger) we really need to be careful that we are "majoring in majors and not majoring in minors". I've been in "church" situations where some address the pastor over insignificant matters, causing unneeded strife. Other times, people just brush off or look the other way concerning behaviors that are adverse to the godly way we are to behave and concerning teachings that are outrageously heretical or blasphemous. So, there is a "thin line" often between being truly acting from right motives and sinning when faced with something that we ought to be righteously angry over. But, we live in a culture, especially within the church that values "niceness" over honesty and being very "real". And people tend to be more receptive of flattery than honest, proper correction or even just an honest response.

In our society, sinful behaviors and words are not only to be tolerated, but accepted on equal level with the values of Christ and the belief in the exclusivity of the Christian Gospel over other religious beliefs. I face that in my own family, which is really at the root of the deep divide that exists. I don't know where all of this 'equity of acceptance of all things" will lead our society, but I do not think it will lead people to Jesus, for sure.

With all of this said, Jesus is the one who ultimately deals with the hearts, attitudes, and mindsets of other people. He may use us to bring truth, light, and conviction in others as well as consolation, encouragement, and uplifting of others who are downtrodden in their sins and seek a remedy.

 


GiGi's Luke Chapter 11 comment on 7/20/2022, 8:21pm...

Hello, Richard.

I have met so many Christians who insist that Jesus never got angry or chastised or berated anyone. But He did, without sinning. He was always appropriate in any admonition or rebuke, getting straight to the heart of the matter to those who needed this. Yet He was gentle and compassionate to those who needed a loving, more soft-handed response from Him. He gave every person the words and works they most needed in those moments. We cannot, of course, know the minds and hearts of others like Jesus did and still does. But we can learn to discern what our response to others should be like. We learn to do this with our children in raising and nurturing them. Sometimes they need firmness and an unpleasant consequence, other times, grace, forgiveness, and understanding them in their weakness. Other times, we can give straight out instruction, and other times we let them try and fail at a task, learning to problem solve.

I do think we should never excuse in ourselves bad manners, ill feelings, nor rudeness to others, but in walking with the Spirit we can come to know what is the best and most appropriate things to say and do. For instance, this week I needed to advocate for my siblings in matters concerning how our oldest sister, who is power of attorney and executor of our Mom's estate is not only handling these funds, but in requesting that she disclose bank statements and an accounting of what is paid out, for what, and to whom. I knew that it would not sit well with her or a few other siblings who usually are on her side of the deep divide in our family (decades old), but I knew that I needed to address this sooner rather than later, for her benefit as well as for my other siblings who are all equal heirs. My request stirred up some emotional responses from some, but others were thanking me for addressing this issue. But my conscience is clear, as I meant no harm, nor had any ill intentions in this.

continued in Part 2

 


Add your comment

 
∧ Top