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Post by babysis on Oct 22, 2003 6:50:16 GMT -5
I couldn't think of a forum this would go best it so I thought I'd put it here.
I would like to know what we as Christian brothers and sisters are supposed to do when we see a Christian brother or sister deteriorating in the fruits that they produce. We are called to hold one another accountable. Because of this do we have the right to say something? One example, a lot of times this brother or sister I have in mind puts sleep before church. Is it right to say something?
And if it is right, how do we go about it in a loving, inoffensive way?
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Post by billbo1970 on Oct 22, 2003 11:11:44 GMT -5
I couldn't think of a forum this would go best it so I thought I'd put it here. I would like to know what we as Christian brothers and sisters are supposed to do when we see a Christian brother or sister deteriorating in the fruits that they produce. We are called to hold one another accountable. Because of this do we have the right to say something? One example, a lot of times this brother or sister I have in mind puts sleep before church. Is it right to say something? And if it is right, how do we go about it in a loving, inoffensive way? Here's what I would do....
Firstly, I'd pray for guidance. Then, I'd approach the person & just state my concern & see how they respond to it. State it as a concern you have for them, not as something wrong that you see them doing. The approach is everything. Hope that helped.
PIC, Bill[/color]
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Post by babysis on Oct 22, 2003 12:02:38 GMT -5
Here's what I would do....
Firstly, I'd pray for guidance. Then, I'd approach the person & just state my concern & see how they respond to it. State it as a concern you have for them, not as something wrong that you see them doing. The approach is everything. Hope that helped.
PIC, Bill [/color][/quote] Thanks billbo that does help.
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Post by Jan on Oct 24, 2003 20:38:20 GMT -5
baybsis, you're right. We are told to hold our brothers and sisters in Christ accountable. How do we do so? Do what Paul did with Peter: When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.… The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the Gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?” (Gal.2:11-14). Paul did this in love, though it might sound stern. But sometimes that is what needs to take place - especially among our fellow brothers and sisters <><
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Post by babysis on Oct 24, 2003 20:41:04 GMT -5
baybsis, you're right. We are told to hold our brothers and sisters in Christ accountable. How do we do so? Do what Paul did with Peter: When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.… The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the Gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?” (Gal.2:11-14). Paul did this in love, though it might sound stern. But sometimes that is what needs to take place - especially among our fellow brothers and sisters <>< What if doing so could possibly push this person farther away from church? This person said they would come with me to church this weekend, but we will see. Thank you for the scripture Jan! I can always count on you to give me an answer to my questions! (Now go check out my new thread in the fellowship hall!)
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Post by Jan on Oct 24, 2003 20:56:05 GMT -5
What if doing so could possibly push this person farther away from church? This person said they would come with me to church this weekend, but we will see. babysis - if this person is a brother/sister in Christ, they know what they're doing in wrong, already. The Holy Spirit is already conviting them of their sin. Sometimes it takes we humans to actually "get in their face" to tell them exactly what the Holy Spirit has already told them. One knows when they are going against Him, but that "little voice" is easier to ignore than someone who is looking straight at them and saying the very same thing. Know what I mean? "You know, Jim, I love ya as a brother in Christ, but I notice (or see) you did "such and such" and I understand His Word to say that "such and such" is not the way we go about "such and such" Jim, how can I help you with "such and such"? We could both pray about this right now, Jim. I am here for you, Jim" Or something like that - really, I believe you're friend would be appreiciative <><
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Post by babysis on Oct 24, 2003 22:20:01 GMT -5
babysis - if this person is a brother/sister in Christ, they know what they're doing in wrong, already. The Holy Spirit is already conviting them of their sin. Sometimes it takes we humans to actually "get in their face" to tell them exactly what the Holy Spirit has already told them. One knows when they are going against Him, but that "little voice" is easier to ignore than someone who is looking straight at them and saying the very same thing. Know what I mean? "You know, Jim, I love ya as a brother in Christ, but I notice (or see) you did "such and such" and I understand His Word to say that "such and such" is not the way we go about "such and such" Jim, how can I help you with "such and such"? We could both pray about this right now, Jim. I am here for you, Jim" Or something like that - really, I believe you're friend would be appreiciative <>< Thanks Jan. I will take this into prayer.
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Post by Jan on Oct 24, 2003 23:10:20 GMT -5
Thanks Jan. I will take this into prayer. As we should in all things, babysis! I am praying that the Holy Spirit gives you the right words to say to your friend! YSIC <>< <><
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Post by babysis on Oct 24, 2003 23:34:57 GMT -5
As we should in all things, babysis! I am praying that the Holy Spirit gives you the right words to say to your friend! YSIC <>< <>< Thank you. Goodnight! I have to be at work at 7:30 in the morning and I think I'm coming down with something.
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Post by marysia on Oct 25, 2003 14:47:47 GMT -5
Thank you. Goodnight! I have to be at work at 7:30 in the morning and I think I'm coming down with something. hope you woke up with "nothing" instead of something! a friend of mine has the same problem. she'll often just say -- i worked so hard and just need my sleep. in fact used to do it myself - i had convinced myself that i didn't need church - didn't need to learnand pray as a group. with my friend, i'll often call her in the morning or when i return tell her how wonderful it was - the feeling of closeness and how i need that. i don't push her but always show her. i try to attend daily pkmtyolm and she was shocked at that. why get up earlier or give up your lunch or whatnot -- i tell her it's the best breakfast or lunch i could imagine. she also know my job can be harried and how much releif and joy i get from pkmtyolm. that - in and of itself - shows her how much being a part of a church service can help in your/her daily life. we were just talking last week and she said how she does miss going to services but is afraid of what the people in her prayer groups and such will say. reminded her that the last time she came back after being away for so long they welcomed her with loving arms and no judgements! so i guess i would say -- help your friend to see how much good comes out of services and how more awake you feel when, although bodily exhausted - you're awake with Christ. good luck and i'll keep your friend in my prayers - to be able to "wake up" to the Lord!
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