"We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly."
1 Cor. 4:12-13a
I think Paul and those who worked along side with him set quite an example!
Can you honestly say the same about yourself?
2007-10-25 13:33:56 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
***UPDATE***
To Crystal, if you knew me better you would know the answer to that question is no. I don't even know you!
2007-10-25 13:42:41 · update #1
im guilty of not answering kindly sometimes ... need to work on that ...
2007-10-25 13:36:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I have worked hard with my hands, when I was younger. These days, I tend to be a bit lazy.
I do try to return blessing for cursing, most of the time. It never ceases to amaze me how a kind word really does turn away wrath!!
I don't like being persecuted. I don't think anyone does. Sometimes there is nothing else one can do but endure it.
When I am slandered, my first reaction is anger. But if I can take a minute or two to cool off and think a bit, I can answer kindly. I know who I am, but other people do not. If I want to counter someone's slanderous tales about me, the only way to do it is to show myself as a child of God, and the truth about me will come out.
I am trying my very best to be the woman that God intended me to be.
I have a ways to go, but, with Christ's help, I will get there!!
2007-10-25 20:51:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I believe that I am growing and have grown in these areas as I learn to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and depend on Him and not depend on self. I thank the Lord that He who began this work in me will continue to perfect it.
I do have something to say to Crystal though, since she claims she does this a100%. First of all let me congratulate her on her perfection, especially being a pagan as she described herself. Next thing is I want to know when did she become an Apostle of Christ because this verse is speaking about Paul and the other Apostles according to verse 9. and the verses 12 and 13 are about the Apostles working to take care of themselves so as not to be dependent on others, they are cursed, persecuted, and slandered for the sake of Christ, for being strong witnesses for the Lord, as all Christians who live godly will be. So how can this apply to a pagan? It is impossible because these people walked in the power of God and were constantly being filled with the Holy Spirit's power to live godly. These verses are being spoken to the saints, not the pagans. No one can do this who does not yeild themselves to God the Holy Spirit and obey Him.
Crystal I am not judging you, but you may want to look at the text again. If I am wrong I do apologize for my error.
2007-10-25 21:21:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Certainly not every day! I try but I struggle.
Every day in the life of a Christian as a constant battle with the old and new man. The old nature would say: don't work hard, if you are cursed, curse back, persecute those who persecute you, when slandered, answer with slander. The new nature is what Paul describes. The Holy Spirit dwelling within us prompts us to react and do things that do not flow from our own nature, but from Christ.
All Christians should strive to do what 1 Cor. 4:12-13a tells us. Oh, to be more like Christ each day.
"More like Jesus would I be, let my Savior dwell with me;
Fill my soul with peace and love—make me gentle as a dove;
More like Jesus, while I go, pilgrim in this world below;
Poor in spirit would I be; let my Savior dwell in me.
If He hears the raven’s cry, if His ever watchful eye
Marks the sparrows when they fall, surely He will hear my call:
He will teach me how to live, all my sinful thoughts forgive;
Pure in heart I still would be—let my Savior dwell in me.
More like Jesus when I pray, more like Jesus day by day,
May I rest me by His side, where the tranquil waters glide.
Born of Him through grace renewed, by His love my will subdued,
Rich in faith I still would be—let my Savior dwell in me."
Fanny Crosby.
2007-10-25 20:46:17 · answer #4 · answered by F.A.I.T.H. 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
honestly I can say 100% percent for sure yes I try. However I am a Pagan.
Now the question is, are you judging me now?
JC - >hugs< thanks that makes me smile, I'm glad to see people out there doesn't judge just because we believe different things. There are alot of people out there that hide behind religion and curse everyone who doesn't live up to their religious standards. The "are you judging me now" comment wasn't meant directly at you, I posted it because I know when people read the word Pagan there tends to be a reaction of "devil worshiper!" which is NOT what I believe at all. So I wanted to make people think, before they judge.
2007-10-25 20:40:11 · answer #5 · answered by yahoo ID 89523 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is how we are commanded to be, just like Jesus, we never repay evil with evil. When one is truly born again, they will not sin. 1 John 3:9 tells us that. When we are submitted to the full will of God, surrendering ourself and our will, we will be like Jesus. We no longer have a fallen sin nature, we have a new nature when born again and the mind of Christ. IF we dont have that, we are not born again.
Grace will not cover continued, willful deliberate sin.
God will forgive us for awhile, but we must desire to be like Jesus and allow the Holy SPirit to show us jsut how it is done.
WE will endure till Jesus comes, but we will be overcomers, not helpless whinney little sinful Christians. Being born again gives us a new nature, and we are a new creation that says Yes to Jesus and No to sin.
God bless you for being forthright..... Jesus speaked and lived the truth too, without fear or compromise, and there was no seeker friendly attitude in Him. HE named sin and said to stop it and do it no more.
But, today, we play with sin, we cuddle it, hold onto it, ask God for it to go, yet hold on with all we have.
Being Christian means being like Jesus Christ......
God bless you.
2007-10-25 20:52:28 · answer #6 · answered by full gospel shirley 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I can humbly say, I've had my 'God empowered' moments to respond lovingly to people who have hurt me. Yes, I do work hard. Which is not always a good thing; especially if I get too busy, for God. Anyway, I am thankful for the times when God has allowed me to 'better understand' His son's sufferings, by goin' through similar trials myself. They create His compassion within me and increase intimacy between Jesus & me!!!
2007-10-25 20:46:51 · answer #7 · answered by God's Fountain Pen 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This is what our new man wants to do, but every day we fight our old man to be selfish and mean to others.
With the help of the holy Spirit we continually drown our old man and live a life pleasing to God.
It is a process that will continue this side of heaven.
2007-10-25 20:38:10 · answer #8 · answered by Aa 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
By saying yes to your question is saying that you are perfect and NO ONE is perfect. However, we Christians strive to be. It is hard, but we try to be perfect in God's eyes. That is why we read our Bible's everyday so that we may arm ourselves against the wicked.
2 Samuel 22:33
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
Matthew 5:48
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
2 Samuel 22:31
"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
Colossians 4 - Further Instructions
2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
2007-10-25 20:48:31 · answer #9 · answered by †Evonne† 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes the working hard with my hands. I am along way from the other stuff. It is very hard. But I believe I could one day.
2007-10-25 20:41:30 · answer #10 · answered by swishersweets97 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I try sometimes. and i actually do it sometimes. but unfortunately im only human and can be worn down. but it feels kinda good to respond kindly when i person insults you because A you feel like you did the right thing and B it tends to confuse the person and sometimes make them mad. my mother loves to blow people kisses when people flip her off while driving lol. And i bless my enemy sometimes but its usually just saying that God makes them realize that they hurt others sometimes so they can be kinder.
2007-10-25 20:40:34 · answer #11 · answered by self-appointed queen of bs 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋