Christians/deep thinkers, I would like your thoughts?

Question

Scripture says we are only to judge those among us who openly sin and claim to be a brother in Christ. Obvious sin , then we are to cast them out for them to repent and we are to let them back in.
We are to be slow to speak and quick to listen. People do not share their private story for fear of harsh judgment. Our perception of their story and our reply is not as important as their deisre to be understood first. It is their experiences not our own. The hole walk a mile in my shoes.
It is not a mile ( too short) it is their whole journey wethter good or bad.
Making a connection and growing a friendship is more important influence tool than dividing seperation by judgment alone.

So I pose this. If you look up perception in the dictionary you will find the word judgment in the definition.
We should hold back our perception of others and offer encouraging mercy and support than judgment. This makes us slow to listen and slow to speak.

Now your thoughts please

oops sorry, quick to listen and slow to speak

Once we have a relationship they will ask our opinion on what we think and will be in a better position to listen to someone who loves yes the person, before acknowleding the sin

awesome treasure, that is what I am talking about.

paradise, you have just hit the nail on the head with this and my walk in the Lord. thank you. for your encouragment and sensing my position in life and needed direction.

Answer 1

My though is that you have done part of you home work, as well that I like the turn around, and while it will seams that in the end you got confuse, between slow and quick to do certain things, I think that isn't the case, I think that God guided you, and your fingers to do so, so you where able to reply, with a much natural oops, and put things back in order!. and that is what such teaching is basically is all about, because in then you will use your good, Judgment as well that you will be able to execute, not perfectly the first time, but as expected, and to my knowledge, take some rest from private forums, and make sure you continue learning valuable things as such. and when someone don't feel like to appreciate what your thoughts are, do the same, and try not to, execute to quickly, and that is the hardest things of all to learn and accomplish. Be, sometimes an slow reader, and make in slow Judgment in this case, I beg you please, "Don't execute to quickly", so, you don't has to be righteous all the time, go slow. is just my opinion.

Answer 2

In the early days of Christianity, one of the things said about the Church was, "Look how these Christians love each other." This is even more interesting from the standpoint that it was said by a non-believer.

We've come a long way since then. . .and not for the better, either. At the moment, my sister is being treated badly by a member of her church who feels that her pre-Christian past should be held against her. This person has gone so far as to say in the hearing of others that my sister shouldn't be allowed on the platform because of her past sins.

My sister is a talented singer and musician, but most importantly, she has repented of all that she ever did before she knew Christ as her Savior. This isn't just an isolated incident of how 'Christians' treat each other, either. Take a look around this forum, and you'll see those who bash members of a religion that is different from theirs.

I'm pretty sure that our attitudes towards one another often break Christ's already wounded Heart. I pray that someday, the world will be able to look at us and once more say, "Look how those Christians love one another."

Answer 3

It is very true that we should be merciful and supportive of others-Luke 6:36 & 37- Romans 15:1 & 2. However, it is also true that the Christian congregation is to be kept clean of those who wickedly, blatantly would try to corrupt it. Or in other words, those who would have a destructive influence, Galations 5:9, 1 Corinthians 5: 9 - 13. As you stated, these guidelines are contained in the bible, so it is for the good of all involved if they are followed. It's just like how a loving parent at times has to show ' tough love' so to speak, to help a child see the error of thier ways, it is the same with God. It is those whom God's holy spirit has appointed to shepherd the congregation that have the job of determining these things.

Answer 4

have you never attended a mid-week prayer meeting? Not routinely, but alot of churches devote this service for open testimonies. Those strong enough, and confident in their faith are quick to *STAND UP* and reveal their sinful nature, where they have been, and how God has given them the willpower to change. I judge not the first one, but thank God that they are open enough to share, that it might encourage me, and I am quick to add them to my prayer list. Scripture does say that we are to confess our sins one to another..not to be judged, ridiculed, or laughed at, but so that the *elder saints* can mentor the younger ones(that*s not saying that they are perfect..just older in the faith, more learned spiritually, and experienced) I have a very tender caring spirit, and derieve my greatest joy in life helping others. I speak very little, and listen all the time. Often people feel that I am standoffish, extremely shy, or that I think that I*m better than them(such is not the case..) When I do speak I want my words to mean something..to benefit someone in some way.

Answer 5

Well, when you consider that the definition of perception that you see in the dictionary will be a (reasonaby) recent definition of the word in terms of how it's used these days (well any decent dictionary anyway) and the fact that the Bible was translated into several different languages on its way to being translated into English a long time ago, you probably don't have to worry too much about that point. Very likely the original passage in its Hebrew didn't have such a quandry to be concerned about.

Answer 6

Scripture also says we are not to judge anyone as we will be judged by the same measure we judge others. It also says, take the log out of your own eye before trying to remove the splinter from your brothers and it also says, you who are without sin may cast the first stone. Pretty clear I think...we are not to judge or perceive assumptions about others. It makes us GOOD listeners and slow speakers son.

The Skeptical Christian
Grace and Peace
Peg

Answer 7

when we are talking about our 'brother' in Christ, it means that this is someone we know and 'understand'.... God gives us wisdom to know things about people. while we are to listen... we are also to teach and instruct as well.

encouraging mercy and support is given when they have repented and are working at turning away from that sin... we cannot 'support them' in their sin.... (no matter what that sin is) it is important to stand upon the word and not get so caught up in tolerating that sin.... there is a fine line between helping them get past the sin, or enabling them to be in that sin because you just want to 'christian love' them....

I don't 'perceive' people until I know them... if the first thing they do is say.. I struggle with 'this sin', but you have to love me just the way i am... I would back away until i 'knew' this person better....

Answer 8

The biblical notion of judging your neighbors by their actions can be taken too far becuase like you said, too many people judge too quickly. However, if your motive is not to condemn the brother, but to uphold him and lift him up to the right path again, you WILL be slow to speak and quick to listen. So what i'm getting at is if you use the action of judging your neighbors by thier actions the biblical way it was supposed to be used, the situation should never come up, but b/c we are sinners by nature, it does, and is something we must pray about.

Answer 9

Sounds Fantastic! Now were it only true...... I also believe we should be slow to speak and quick to listen. We should be merciful, encouraging, understanding.

It's human nature to be quick tempered, self-focused, and dismissive, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try....I just think it takes much more effort than we realize! It easy to see the outside and judge, rather than take the time to listen...but it would be so much more beautiful if we did take more time to listen!

Answer 10

To be wholly spiritual, one must perceive others as having the same origin. You then see into the person and wonder if they will bloom in this age or the next, but you know it will happen. Perceive spiritually and judgment will be as a very old and worn door mat.