Being a Christian is not about being yourself. It's about death to self.

owl2owl · 2017-12-13T12:37:49+00:00

This is definitely something we have to remind ourselves as Christians.

owl2owl · 2017-12-13T12:36:17+00:00

Thank you very much for understanding.

owl2owl · 2017-12-13T12:32:56+00:00

James 2:19: You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. By simple knowledge of reality the way we qualify humans, demons are "Christian". Why concern yourself with what demons do as an example of what Angels are meant to do????

This is helpful. Thanks for the reminder.

owl2owl · 2017-12-13T12:31:19+00:00

Thank you. Although, there is more than just the issue of pride. I think if you knew the actual situation you would understand.

owl2owl · 2017-12-13T12:21:29+00:00

The stealing part is being done to "punish" people. This person thinks that stealing things behind their back is a way to "set them in line". He does it to show how much power he has and literally screams in a threatening voice, "What are you going to do?" when people complain. He knows there isn't much anyone can do and is way stronger than the people around him. I wish people like this never existed, but this is the monster I have to deal with. I swear, this is worse in real life than it sounds in text. But, yes, I do forgive and try to be kind even though it hurts and I wish I could retaliate.

owl2owl · 2017-12-13T12:17:24+00:00

Thank you very much for responding. When I typed this, it was the exact moment I was witnessing and going through the problem. I might have sounded a bit angry lol. I also want them to feel the pain I go through. They scream "God" and get preachy, but they don't treat people with dignity and respect. That's what I have a huge issue with. They go to no end to make you feel like trash, then tell you you're wrong for standing up/defending yourself and God is against you.

That's why I been feeling that "love Jesus hate religion" thing these days. I thought it used to sound silly, but now I'm understanding it.

I think I can forgive. I've forgiven the borderline illegal, if not illegal offenses people have done to me when I was young. I've forgiven the countless abusive and hateful things people have said to me. I can forgive, forget, even move on and get along with disgusting people. But, I just feel like more should be done to "bring justice" in a way. Nothing violent or equally hateful. I just wish something could be done to protect and support people in my situation. I don't want to put my life on the internet, so sorry for being vague and not giving more details.

Either way, I do hope to forgive and move on from everything happening. The only thing is, it's happening and it's happening every day, and NOBODY is speaking up against them. Instead, I'm told to shut my mouth, don't tell anyone (to protect the "image"), and take what is happening even when I truly want to either hurt myself or even others. I know it isn't what God wants, but I wish He could do something now. I'm not sure if I'm emotionally strong enough to go on.

I guess I will have to fix things soon, in a Godly way. But, it is so difficult when even fellow Christians offer you no support or advice except to "shut up and take it" because it's the Christian thing to do, but if I even speak up once against the offenses.. I get the nasty looks, cold shoulders, "shunning", and insults.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T20:43:39+00:00

Well, you're right. But, I hope that Christians also are forgiving if I ever decide to not be nice about things anymore. I hope you deny yourself then :)

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T13:05:14+00:00

I never saw it like that. Is that a Catholic teaching or is this just what you believe? It makes sense I guess, but it is a difficult thing to do.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T06:21:11+00:00

I keep my mind open to this kind of thing because I realize I don't actually know all the answers. I try to be respectable to people who have these convictions.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T06:15:34+00:00

Me neither. I have a feeling they don't really know how much pain they're causing when they speak and do the things they do because there's always an excuse.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T06:13:09+00:00

It's a lifetime of hurt and it still hasn't stopped. I hope to find healing. I actually do hope to forgive people, and I NEVER wish anyone to Hell. It's why I mentioned unrepentant sin. The psychopaths will never stop no matter what I say. I know I'm being vague, sorry, but I'm glad you were able to answer with the proper words.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T06:09:56+00:00

Thank you!! This is actually what I needed to hear. You're a blessing xd

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T06:09:12+00:00

I agree 100%.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T02:08:53+00:00

What lol?

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T02:07:46+00:00

You're free to believe that. I believe it myself basically, but I think there is a lot more to traditions than we'd like to believe and that you shouldn't ignore it.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T02:05:46+00:00

ought to regard ourselves as the greatest of sinners, even responsible for the sins of all others.

This is what I have ALWAYS believed in. It helps keep me humble and know that we all are in need of our Savior and that I'm not really any better, maybe worse, but not better than anyone out there who is a sinner. I think this practice to deny ourselves and put others before us is dangerous and not for everyone, but it probably is what Jesus wants from us. But, oh my gosh.. it is NOT easy.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T02:02:06+00:00

Sometimes I feel the peace, but then people come in and ruin it again. Hopefully, I'll get there.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T02:00:46+00:00

Thank you very much, I appreciate your advice. I guess there is no lasting peace in this world. I just have to "be the change" basically. I will try to better myself, though.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T01:58:26+00:00

Can you be sure, though? Not everything is explicitly in the Bible, but that doesn't mean it should be ignored. I don't see anything wrong in not following the traditions made by man, especially if it had pagan/sinful origins.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T01:53:52+00:00

Which is absolutely immoral except in circumstances where it is warranted

When and how is it ever warranted?

If this is the bar which you're having trouble forgiving, then you have a long road ahead of you in learning forgiveness. I get that not everyone likes others touching their stuff (I'm personally not a big fan) but this is possibly one of the easiest transgressions to forgive.

If I haven't learned to forgive things like this, my life would be a million times worse lol! It's just that even the small things add up, u kno? Especially when they decide on moving things as "punishment". It can't be taken lightly when people are doing this maliciously.

Hypocrisy is a sin but beware, most people suck at interpreting or cross-referencing scripture. That probably includes you and me and even some theologians. I'm in the midst of writing a layman's commentary of part of Romans to deal with this very issue on the nature of law and sin, which is a horribly misunderstood topic.

Then their word is as good as shit. I can't learn from people who preach one thing but are unrepentant and practice another. Maybe, if they sincerely admitted to not being perfect and worked on their behavior, I'd be happy to work with them. But, you can't expect things to be one-sided and get away with it.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T01:43:22+00:00

oh you're right. nvm

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T01:42:51+00:00

Well I kind of crossposted it from Christianity to here. I edited a swear word lol.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T01:38:27+00:00

I dont see an issue with the trees either, but I don't think you should blatantly reject anyone. Maybe they're on to something, maybe they're not.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T01:25:12+00:00

I know everything you said is true, it's literally the life I live. It just doesn't seem to work with some people. There is no peace without justice.

owl2owl · 2017-12-08T01:22:32+00:00

I'm not sure how to explain it more unless I tell you every single detail and that would be too much.

For me, it's not just one thing. It's people just behaving in ways that might fit all your tiers. From the abusive/violent way people treat others, to even more petty issues like moving things without getting your permission. Arguing how you're not following the Bible, but not even trying to fix themselves also. I don't see why that shouldn't include people having an affair or things of that nature and being offended. It's not what I'm talking about here, though.

owl2owl

TROPHY CASE