Hello brothers and sisters;
These last several weeks I was reviewing Christian Forums including Christian Forum Site and noticed how much of the same threads include members disagreeing with the author or other posters.
What's ironic is when the author writes a thread and includes a message from God; In the mix of the message will include love, patience, bearing, support, listening and seeking accord with one another in Christ, unfortunately, many of us cannot handle when someone disagrees or makes an objective comment/opinion regarding our beliefs and theology. We escalate our differences and before you know it, the verb of the thread is lost and the fellowship is broken.
Are we worried the world wide public will see our faith and theology post refuted by someone who is a seasoned Christian? Or, are we intimidated to post what we are led in a discussion only to be "corrected down," "manipulated or baited" by the author or another member?
I could include face to face relationships off the internet but I'm specifically writing about our fellowship on Christian Forums. Chances are if you get angry when others disagree or have a differing opinion with you is most likely what you exhibit, inwardly or outward in your life off the internet.
Getting angry when others disagree or offer their constructive opinion hinders our rationale with the author and other members. This remains under the rug, we avoid other members in a forum and overlook seeking peace when God offers this in all circumstances.
So how do we reconcile this within ourselves? Start with ourselves.
The first thing we need to accept is we who follow Christ daily, builds us up in our heart and tongue with others, especially those who don't know Christ. The next time someone offers their opinion or disagreement, remember that we were led to post or read the topic in the first place. Not everyone is going to be in 100% agreement with you. Unless you're a continuing student of the Bible and in people relationships seeking learning, noone's disagreement or opinion can force you to retract your truthful convictions. God is constantly doing a good work in you and this includes His growing you in wisdom, learning and discernment in your own disposition and character.
For the last 19 years as a joiner and writer on Christian Forums, fellowship and discussing topics is different than "live people testimony." It was a hard lesson for me. It took God to fill me with a spirit of receiving instead of reacting. When someone reads my thread or post and offers their disagreement or opinion, do I listen and take a step back? Do I still love and accept them? It takes work but having God's peace and calm make it possible for me to discuss differences with others and the hope that I can learn from them.
Some who read this may reflect on their interaction with others in a Christian Forum. Others will read this as another post and go back to the way things are. Regardless, I still love them, choose to get out of God's way and let them go.
Please share your thoughts in this discussion which may minister to others from your experience.
Love in Christ.
Bob
These last several weeks I was reviewing Christian Forums including Christian Forum Site and noticed how much of the same threads include members disagreeing with the author or other posters.
What's ironic is when the author writes a thread and includes a message from God; In the mix of the message will include love, patience, bearing, support, listening and seeking accord with one another in Christ, unfortunately, many of us cannot handle when someone disagrees or makes an objective comment/opinion regarding our beliefs and theology. We escalate our differences and before you know it, the verb of the thread is lost and the fellowship is broken.
Are we worried the world wide public will see our faith and theology post refuted by someone who is a seasoned Christian? Or, are we intimidated to post what we are led in a discussion only to be "corrected down," "manipulated or baited" by the author or another member?
I could include face to face relationships off the internet but I'm specifically writing about our fellowship on Christian Forums. Chances are if you get angry when others disagree or have a differing opinion with you is most likely what you exhibit, inwardly or outward in your life off the internet.
Getting angry when others disagree or offer their constructive opinion hinders our rationale with the author and other members. This remains under the rug, we avoid other members in a forum and overlook seeking peace when God offers this in all circumstances.
So how do we reconcile this within ourselves? Start with ourselves.
The first thing we need to accept is we who follow Christ daily, builds us up in our heart and tongue with others, especially those who don't know Christ. The next time someone offers their opinion or disagreement, remember that we were led to post or read the topic in the first place. Not everyone is going to be in 100% agreement with you. Unless you're a continuing student of the Bible and in people relationships seeking learning, noone's disagreement or opinion can force you to retract your truthful convictions. God is constantly doing a good work in you and this includes His growing you in wisdom, learning and discernment in your own disposition and character.
For the last 19 years as a joiner and writer on Christian Forums, fellowship and discussing topics is different than "live people testimony." It was a hard lesson for me. It took God to fill me with a spirit of receiving instead of reacting. When someone reads my thread or post and offers their disagreement or opinion, do I listen and take a step back? Do I still love and accept them? It takes work but having God's peace and calm make it possible for me to discuss differences with others and the hope that I can learn from them.
Some who read this may reflect on their interaction with others in a Christian Forum. Others will read this as another post and go back to the way things are. Regardless, I still love them, choose to get out of God's way and let them go.
Please share your thoughts in this discussion which may minister to others from your experience.
Love in Christ.
Bob