After having spent almost seven years in the CC trenches I have to say that it is interesting to observe how people are treating each other here.
I’m no Saint myself, let that be clear.
However, regardless of everything, in my years here I have more often than in active duty been called ‘evil’, ‘stupid’, ‘ignorant’, ‘wicked’, ‘false teacher’, ‘idiot’, ‘jerk’, ‘intellectually challenged’, ‘not able to be thinking abstract’, ‘eyelash flapping’, ‘not the sharpest knife in the drawer’, ‘delusional’, ‘dishonest’, ‘gullible’, ‘strange’, ‘gaylover’, ‘raving mad’, and etc etc etc.
Many people have been judging me on even more levels.
What does this say about the debates here?
What a blessing.
That is one way you might consider looking at those experiences where those pejoratives were cast your way. And let me guess, OK? It was in the BDF?
Consider that for a moment more. I did this. I said those words aloud while focusing my eyes on the header of that board. That put it into perspective. And I was not on the receiving end of the abuse you endured through reading those words directed at you.
This is what I saw when I did that little exercise. Which is why I'll tell you in a moment you might consider that past experience a blessing.
It went like this (staring at BDF header,presuming that was where you suffered these words to be hurled at you because I have read some very rude remarks directed at others there which is why I presume. If I am wrong, please forgive me.) and in the order of those words you posted. Ready?
"evil" Bible Discussion Forum
"stupid" Bible Discussion Forum
"ignorant" Bible Discussion Forum
"wicked" Bible Discussion Forum
"false teacher" Bible Discussion Forum (Actually there are a number of those so it isn't really a pejorative in so much as it is a forewarning. Not saying in the least that you are that, btw.)
"idiot" Bible Discussion Forum
" jerk" Bible Discussion Forum
"intellectually challenged" Bible Discussion Forum
"not able to be thinking abstract" Bible Discussion Forum
"eyelash flapping’" Bible Discussion Forum
"not the sharpest knife in the drawer" Bible Discussion Forum
"delusional" Bible Discussion Forum
"dishonest" Bible Discussion Forum
"gullible" Bible Discussion Forum
"strange" Bible Discussion Forum
"gaylover" Bible Discussion Forum
"‘raving mad" Bible Discussion Forum
There's a rule in actual debate encounters. Attack the argument not the one presenting the argument.
The blessing comes in if we consider the wisdom our All Knowing Father gave us for moments just like those you experienced.
The Book of Proverbs chapter 12 verse 8
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Those offering hate filled words intend to hurt you with them.
The Book of Proverbs chapter 15 verse 1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
They hope you'll respond in kind. It is a tactic meant to remove those in Christ from their peace.
The Book of Colossians chapter 3 verses 1 thru 25
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
The Book of Proverbs chapter 18 verse 7
A fool’s mouth is his devastation,and his lips are a trap for his life.
Where is the blessing? Well, we hear about sin, we see people in person not on the Net, every day. We don't know the state of their soul, we just see people living their God given life.
However, on the Internet when we arrive at a forum dedicated to the Way of Christ we are afforded the opportunity to see both the sinner and the saved act like it.
Maybe consider that what you encountered hurling those remarks at you was the former rather than the latter.
Because in a forum where Christ's spirit lives, remember, where two or three are gathered in His name there He is also, there should be those who say they are Christ like, Christian, speaking the proofs of that. While those who are not regenerated, are not alive with the Spirit of the Most Holy alive inside them, prove that as well.
The Book of Colossians chapter 3
Therefore, put to death the earthly parts of your nature — sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed (which is a form of idolatry); 6 for it is because of these things that God’s anger is coming on those who disobey him. 7 True enough, you used to practice these things in the life you once lived; 8 but now, put them all away — anger, exasperation, meanness, slander and obscene talk. 9 Never lie to one another; because you have stripped away the old self, with its ways, 10 and have put on the new self, which is continually being renewed in fuller and fuller knowledge, closer and closer to the image of its Creator. 11 The new self allows no room for discriminating between Gentile and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, foreigner, savage, slave, free man; on the contrary, in all, the Messiah is everything.
It is a blessing to read the word. It is a lesson to read those who put the word into context.
The Book of Proverbs chapter 24
And
chapter 26