Joe,
Why all the contention? We have the chosen who are "the 1st resurrection Saints" we have the wheat who are "the called" and we have the tares who are "the unbelievers.
Jesus says: Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. "Do not seperate them, they must grow together"
Only the chosen will produce the true fruit of the spirit.... Which is love. Only the chosen will have the developed character to be able to interact with the tares and the wheat lovingly. Having their best interest at heart at all times. None of us can know at which time the wheat or the tares might be converted. We do know that all will be saved, and Jesus and the Father loves everyone of His children, so should we.
Jesus did speak harshly to the religious leaders of his time, however he loved them and His heart was grieved to the point of tears.
Jesus says: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Although he rebuked them, their spiritual condition grieved Him deeply. He was genuinely concerned for their welfare.
More words from the Master: Matthew 5:44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite fully use you, and persecute you;
This is what separates the Chosen, from the wheat and the tares. Those who are chosen will not be offended. Those who are chosen, will be a light, to the wheat and the tares. Those who are chosen, will have self control and patience. Those who are chosen will seek to understand before trying to be understood. Most of all the chosen will be grieved at heart for the lost.
I would expect that their will always be Those who are inspired or motivated to come in here and attempt to break up something they were not forced to participate in. But they can not. We are to overcome evil with good.
1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
When you are guiding the wheat and the tares remember some of them might be one of the chosen who need your light to shine on them. Instead of viewing the situation as opposition take every opportunity to deposit the word of God.
All you can do is share the word of God, and be not easily offended. The word of God tells us He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. More often than not, you will not be dealing with the elect, and if one is not elect he will not have developed the highest fruit of the spirit which is love. He will be confused and mixed up, for he knows not that he is lost.
God bless you,
Mary Ann