A woman commented on one of my devotions. Because I didn't agree with her view on physical healing, she doubted I was born again and "knew" I didn't have God's Spirit because I was spreading poisonous lies from Satan and preventing people from being healed.(1)
I responded kindly, but that inspired four more comments in which she quoted Scriptures and attacked my faith and character.
If a non-believer visited my site before I deleted her comments, I doubt they'd believe John 13:35: "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
In the forty years I've been a believer, it seems like Christians have become angrier (and not righteously so) - about politics and non-essential doctrinal differences.
If we can't disagree without discrediting the character and faith of other believers, we should keep our mouths shut.
Because I'm an opinionated person, I need to occasionally remind myself of the principles in Romans 14-15:15.
If you haven't read that passage lately, why not do it today. With God's help, we can disagree and still be a testimony for Christ's love.
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(1) This was regarding my devotion "Does Faith Heal?"
Check out today's Bite Size Bible Study that offers more insights on this subject and on Romans 14.
I just wanted to take a moment and let you know I am thankful for you and all you do. It is very clear to see that God speaks through you in your writing and you teach truth even when it's not popular or politically correct. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Janet. I am encouraged by your kind words.
DeleteYes! I agree with Janet. I have been serving God for many years, but still feel like a baby Christian because I keep learning and realizing new lessons from His wonderful Word as well as from bloggers like you! You have given me insights and much to reflect on. I'm glad that you continue to write and be true to God and to yourself!
ReplyDeleteFunny, I just blogged about Philippians 1:27 which talks about unity. I had some questions for the LORD and He answered them through your post! Now that's a God Wink!
Keep on doing what you're doing! God is indeed working through you! :)
Your comment makes me smile. Yes, I love those "God winks" too!
DeleteThank you for your kind words. I am encouraged!
I was so relived when I found your site, I hadnt been a Christian very long and was feeling so discouraged by how I saw other Christians being online. I have learned a lot about how you have dealt with difficult comments which is always with grace but without compromising truth. God bless you, Hannah xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words, Hannah. I haven't always responded to differences the right way, but I'm learning!
DeleteHear! Hear!
ReplyDeleteResponding to differences. . .that is a difficult one for me. Most of the time I just don't say anything because I don't remember what the Word of God has to say about it. In reference to the lady who's friend was having an argument concerning eating or not eating of meat . . .this is a different story, but my SIL posted that she was sorry she'd ever eaten meat. The only reply I could think of was if Abraham could feed the Angel of the Lord 'a kid of the goats' then I suppose it is OK for her to eat meat. I knew of the references in Romans 14, but could not remember Book, chapter, verse. I do know if any of my vegetarian/vegan friends came to my house, dinner would be at a local vegetarian restaurant or my menu plans would change. Even though I eat meat, I would not do that to them.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you for your writings. I'm so very thankful for them.
Hi Dreama,
DeleteI don't think that anyone can justify vegetarianism using the Bible. Jesus ate meat during his life on earth and even ate fish after He was resurrected (Luke 24).
Romans 14 warns us not to tempt anyone to do something against their faith and when it was written, there were many Jewish Christians who still followed Old Testament laws, but this was a faith issue, not a preference like vegetarianism.
We should be respectful of other beliefs, but we need not agree with them.