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a question of repentance.

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indianabob:
Good response Roy, similar to my experience.

Comment on your reference to making trouble for yourself with those around you when you speak truthfully and don't lie.

I have known people who had this character trait and yet didn't allow it to bring them into any conflict with others.
It seems that they were just quite good at diplomacy.  The had a reasoned answer for subject matter that came into the conversation and yet didn't take a contradictory stand against the other persons view.  We may think of it as statesmanship or as just learning to let the other person live their way without criticizing or seeming to criticize or correct.

This issue seems to come up quite often among Christians who feel the need to correct others for their own good.  Like me. ;o)
I think maybe it is a matter of timing.  I know that my wife needs to change a couple of her habits, but maybe NOW is NOT the best time to explain it to her.  Maybe in a couple of years would be better.  Or maybe I could just learn to live with the situation.

My point here is that learning to be a real Godly diplomat is the better approach to always telling the sometimes painful truth.
We always have the option of smiling and saying something like "how interesting" or "and how do you deal with that".  We can do this without leaving the impression that we condone the conduct.  It's hard but we can learn the skill.

When Jesus was correcting his brethren he set the example in Rev 2 & 3 by giving some praise in his opening remarks and then saying "I have somewhat against you" and then encouraging them in His closing remarks.  That seems a good approach for us as well.

I am certainly not one of the diplomats that I refer to above, so please respond with good advice for me.  I will not be offended since I view your comments as correction from God and will handle them accordingly.

Your brother in Christ, Indiana bob




--- Quote from: Roy Monis UK on July 25, 2008, 09:17:08 AM ---Hi! Dave from Tenn

That was a great post Brenda and there is very little I can add except throw in my nickel worth. Somehow Ananias with his wife Sapphira, come to mind I don't know why because it is totally unconnected but there is a slight link. We have to be careful though how we use it. They both made a commitment to God and then failed to obey it.

Now I don't know whether you are going to believe this or not, it matters not, I'm giving it in any case. When I see a major sin in my life like drink, drugs, smoking, swearing, lying, hating and such, in my case it was smoking, and the rest also to a degree. If it is a matter of great urgency I appeal to God for help. That to me is a commitment whether it is granted immediately, later or never, it is still a commitment and should be honoured. From the moment of making that sincere commitment from the depths of your heart every time the temptation appears bring to mind that commitment to God. Believe me or not that sin will go and you'll field it no more. This is called FAITH and TRUST in GOD.

Not easy by a long chalk but certain to work, and you'll have His answer to your prayer. Be sure of it, He hears every appeal, measures its sincerity and answers it. I don't believe in the saying, He never answers prayer to me it's like saying He never forgives sin. He both forgives sin and answers every sincere request to be rid of it. " Trust in the LORD with all your heart. And do not lean on your own understanding.”   (Pro.3:5)

Mind you it gets you into a lot of trouble at times. I have given over telling lies for example, even small one, but when I tell the truth it makes life very difficult for me in the world around. But I have God to thank and His approval, that's all that matters.

God bless you brother in our joint walk in Christ. 

Love in Christ Jesus.

Roy UK     
 
 

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