...fwiw:
1. I don't have to agree with you to love you and be kind to you; nor you, me.
2. When another points out my sin, I should listen and consider his words in my heart and thank God for an opportunity for repentance.
3. Explaining my neighbor's actions and words in the kindest way is always in order - did Luther ever say anything better than that explanation to the 8th commandment?
4. Looking for an opportunity to confess Christ is also always in order - it's not about being right or wrong; but about confessing Him who is the Forgiveness of our every sin and the Destruction of death itself for that Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe.
5. Snarkiness does not become any baptized child of God, but most especially not those who confess the Augsburg Confession.
6. Pride is always a fundamental demonic assault upon that truth confessed in Article IV of the AC.
11 comments:
Might I be bold to add a "7th" point? Whenever I am rude or cruel it needs to be pointed out to me. Either my rudeness is unintentional and I need to be reminded to have a care for how I write, or I am so wrapped up in my adamic defensive-dread that I cannot see the damage I am doing to others.
And it wouldn't hurt if this was done privately, though that is not absolutely necessary.
Rev. Tom Fast
I resemble those remarks. :)
Usually posting with your own name is the antidote for most of what you mention, but the old Adam is a good swimmer..
Regarding #5, sarcasm is still okay, right? Am I right? :)
Sarcasm, in my opinion, can be a dangerous thing. If used, one should make sure that one is at peace using it in the presence of the One whose blood has atoned for the sins of all and that in using it one is not seeking to become an accuser of the brethren.
I had a college teacher who felt that sarcasm was wrong for Christians. She talked about it from the standpoint of the etymology of the word: "tearing flesh."
Maybe she pushed it too far. Maybe sinful is too strong a way to describe sarcasm. But I think it should be used very carefully. And always recalling, as you said, in Whose presence we stand.
Rosie was not all wrong! :)
Thanks for these, Bill.
As far as sarcasm, it might be okay when self-directed. Toward others, it can be an ugly thing.
Peace!
I must echo Rev. Tom Fast's comment. I have a greater fear of not being corrected than of being told off. Mind you, I do eventually get it. It is just more painful...
Disagree on the 7th point. I think the internet is too full of Lutherans too eager to point out each others sins.
There is absolutely no reason not to do it privately. Publicly accusing another of sinning makes it harder for the person to repent. We should want to make it easier to repent. Publicly pointing out another's sin also gives that old Adam too much pleasure. Pointing out another's sin seems to be rarely done out of a real concern for the other person.
If rebuke has to be public, why not a general comment like "Since Christ has washed away all of our sins and we are all brothers in Christ, let us be charitable towards one another and put the best construction on everything." Those who are guilty will usually recognize their own sin, which is the whole point.
Pretty good comment by anonymous.
We do well to keep in mind that the internet is not the best medium for having a substantive and clear conversation. We also do well to remember, even when posting on a blog as great as Weedon's, that this isn't an ecumenical council----it's a stinking blog. In Weedon's case, it's the best stinking blog around. But it's still only a blog. A little less seriousness and even a modicum of levity is certainly appropriate.
Pr. Tom Fast
Gee, you guys can really drain all the joy out of "tearing flesh." :)
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