In public discussions, it often seems that people assume they know why someone said or did something before asking questions or seeking clarification.
Do you think we have become too quick to assign motives to others? What effect does that have on public discourse and relationships?
Good question. However, suppose a party’s actions have bad results? Can we point out the evil fruit, and suggest that some serious re-thinking (repentance) is in order?
I understand what you are saying. This is how I see it. This (Holding up the Bible) is the finally autority, and final in all matters. If what someone is trying to say is not in here, or is contrary to what is in here (Holding up the Bible), they are completely wrong. Either misinformed or blatantly lying. The same thing goes for a church.
Now we also must be careful.
“Now, who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” 1 Peter 3:13-16
There is a difference, though, in correcting someone and outright attacking someone and questioning their faith. That is never ok.
Peter
I think it’s almost natural to assign motives to other people. The motive we assign has more to do with ourselves than with them. We all know, but don’t put into practice the truth of our differences, backgrounds, and upbringing. If I think I know the motive for what you’ve said or done, it’s usually a motive I would have and not necessarily yours. We shouldn’t do this, but we almost instinctively do.
God says He will bring to light the motives of the heart. We’re not to make such judgements.
1 Cor 4:5 People are complex. Even we don’t know ourselves as God knows us. A good result can be from a sinful motive, and a bad result could be from a good motive. We see that all the time in the Bible. Bad results from sincere and good intentions.
If we really want to understand someone, we need to ask and not just jump at their words or actions.
I am trying extremely hard to discern from my having an opinion and posting opposed to sounding judgemental. Is there an easy way to do this? I struggle with being kind and no one listening to me as opposed to stating facts in which certain people always want to argue.
It would be nice if we all agreed without any divisions and debate. In my opinion only preaching commandments can hope to bring unity. Fallible church theology always stirs up quarrels and that takes our focus off of being humble, meek, gentle and loving. If we didn’t have these arguments we would have a good environment and it would rub off on us all. A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Galatians 5:7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. (NKJV)
I have been working on this. It is one of the hardest things I have done. “Try to be nice, but never fail to be kind.” I understand sometimes it has. Especially when you know you are right. My name is Peter. I post, my name is Peter. Someone says, “You are wrong, your name is Bob.” Ah, no. My name is what it is. That was it when I was born, is it now, it will be when I pass on. The problem comes when someone is willing to argue or debate with me that I am wrong.
The Word of God is the same way. There are absolutes. There is one Truth.
" For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." Jon 3:16-18
That is the absolute truth. The Truth. Anything else is a lie. Islam? A lie. Buddhism? A lie. Reincarnation? A lie. Anything that is not this, Jesus is the only Way, Truth, Life, and no one can come to God but by Him, is a lie. Anything other than whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. It is a lie.
So when someone is debating you about something blatantly false or a lie, and you are trying to teach them the truth, it can sometimes get difficult to remain civil. Especially when you are thinking to yourself, this person cannot be this ignorant. There may even come a time when you decide to simply bow out ot the debate, and pray that they will learn the truth eventually. Then it is between them and God. Try to be nice, but never fail to be kind.
Peter