"Blessed are the merciful"

[Childlikefaith]

Why are so many Christians so calloused? I am never suggesting compromising on biblical truths (indeed, Jesus on occasion spoke sharply to his disciples and others) , but aren't we all brothers and sisters in Christ? and if someone isn't yet a follower of Jesus that is even more reason to show them God's mercy by being merciful to them. Not to mention that so many people are stuck in their own interpretations of the bible that they are closed to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit and to growing in knowledge of God's word.

I guess I am just thinking aloud really. It can be confusing sometimes to know where to draw the line between being true to the Bible and trying to see another Christians viewpoint. Any comments on my thoughts are greatly appreciated.

[Charles Burwell]

Dear sister

It is good to hear that you are sensitive to the feelings of others. There seems to be so little of that anymore.

Personally I feel that we must always be true to the scriptures above all. As far as seeing others viewpoint Paul has very good advice on this matter.


2Timothy 2:24-26 " And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but be GENTLE TO ALL, able
to teach, PATIENT, in HUMILITY correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps
will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth , and that they may come
to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him
(the devil ) to do his will.

We all know that a word spoken in a loving way will accomplish a lot more than 'beating
someone over the head with it' even if what we're saying is true. Especially concerning differ-
rences in scriptural interpretation.

Also note that Paul says that some who oppose have been deceived by the devil. Paul even
refers to it as being 'ensnared' by him. We can have more compassion and understanding when we realize that people who teach a different interpretation genuinely believe that they are right because they are decieved.

A final observation, learned from personal experience. I'll sum it up in a qoute I once heard-
" When speaking to our fellow man make your words soft and sweet,
Often words spoke in haste or anger are one's you may have to eat."

That has happened to me several times. I run off my mouth only to find out that I was the one in the wrong. Then I had to go to the person and apologize to them for my words and
attitude. It's always better to speak kindly to people whether you agree with them or not.

But as I said before , NEVER compromise what you are truely pursuaded by the Holy Spirit to
be the truth. But if you're going to be rejected by someone let it be for the gospel's sake
and not because you're being an obnoxious ogre.

God bless you as you reach out to others in love.

In His service