Hi Joe
A couple of years ago I noticed the turnover here on the forum. It kind of shocked me, How can one leave the mountaintop? Did they leave for something better, and if they did why didn't they tell us? Now it just does not bother me, mainly because I know God is sovereign. The secondary reason is Paul describing 'all the churches in asia have deserted me.' Even after knowing the truth, the true truth, believers have been leaving the word for thousnads of years. I don't get it. And that is fine.
Askseeknock
Charles
Maybe though,they aren't leaving the Truth. If they had their feelings hurt or if they were shot down when they posted, that might cause them to not partake of the unlove that was shown them. Just a thought.
hugs,meee
Hi Charles,
This is one of the reasons I started this topic, I am sure there are more than a few who have wondered why people who seemed to have found fellowship and comfort even some spiritual nourishment here suddenly disappear, it was also meant to speak to those who may have left but still check in as a "guest" from time to time.
In my very first post in this thread I mentioned or should I say speculated on some of the reasons they may have left, I felt pretty sure that some of them experienced the same feelings I myself have had periodically. As Ray has said repeatedly being a member here or even a reader of Bible Truths has no direct determination on one's salvation, their elect status or whether they are chosen or not, if God has chosen you He will provide the path that leads you to the first resurrection or better yet to the "change" without tasting death.
Perhaps these folks who have moved on were placed here for the specific purpose of teaching us patience, empathy, longsuffering, godliness, brotherly love, etc. Shouldn't we continue to pray for their spiritual growth and peace as we pray for our own selves, families and friends?
His Peace to you Brother Charles,
Joe
Hi meee! (I say that every morning when I wake up and look in the mirror)
Your point is well taken as there certainly have been times when we all have not shown the patience of Christ toward some who for whatever reason came into this fellowship. I know I have been guilty of jumping to conclusions about the motives of people who just might have a style of communication that I do not find to be easily discernible or particularly inviting. I have come to realize that my own style has and does put some people on the defensive or even inspires them to refrain from ever commenting on things I might write. We all find some people more in tune with us and our present condition more than we can relate to others, on the other hand our perception of others is actually due to our present condition.
Yes, there have been some intemperate statements made in response to questions and thoughts people have posted but more often than not there were also sympathetic responses mingled in too, I have noticed that some will only note the negative, some will acknowledge the positive but will attempt pitting one against the other and then there will be some who are mature enough in spirit to recognize there will never be a perfect place to gather while we are all still in this flesh, this body of sin and death.
That is why we are called to be overcomers!
I think there has also been some resentment (totally understandable) that some people feel when their posts, comments, feelings are not acknowledged, they feel ignored. I do not respond to every topic and sometimes in retrospect I feel as if I have contributed to someone experiencing this emptiness, I could have easily wrote a word or two but for whatever reason (there are many and laziness certainly comes to mind) I didn't.
Thank you for your observation, it is my hope that all of us pay closer attention to and have empathy for all the sisters and brothers who come across our paths.
Peace,
Joe
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Topic: Forum Blues (Read 34780 times)