The Blessings of Reconciliation

[David Koot]

The Psalmist says, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Jesus spoke of the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing believers together. Satan works to bring division, suspicion, misunderstanding and party spirit. It is a real blessing to see believers take a stand and say no to such things. Where there has been division, hurt feelings and a wall of separation, to then see a believer in Jesus take the initiative and say, I want to reach out and break down that wall, to deal with the issues that have caused discord, and be in harmony with other believers, is a gift from heaven. It is a great thing to behold, and evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's heart and life.

Dave

[Neil D]

Frankly, a good ol' fashioned drugged out flaming word war is much better than peace.

Think of the challenge to get the last word in, to one up the competition, to smear a persons character with rumor and innuendo. The thrill of the persuit of labling a person, as a troublemaker...to cause all others to avoid him and to paralize the BBS such that many will refuse to come here....

Frankly people, I just dont understand why you all don't like socialable conversation when you can smear someone reputation and do some back stabbing. Shoot, let the PM and the flaming wars begin!!!

:lock:

[olger]

Good post Dave. I am happy to report that Redwood & I experienced just that sort of reconciliation this week. The Lord blessed us with humility, forgiveness and understanding.

As a Seventh-day Adventist christian, I apologize to the board in general for my contributions to strife in April/May. The Lord has called us to encourage one another, not to ridicule or attack.

Blessings to each one,

olger

[Woody]

Thank you Olger and also David. It really is a blessing to better understand those who I have misunderstood in the past.

It was a great experience for Olger and I to get together and learn the real side of each other. We plan to keep open this dialogue. PTL.

As much as I desire to do a good job of communication .... I have failed also and apologize. I love the diversity here on CA. I think I can do a much better job of respecting all views and all personalities. I strive to do just that.

[Denise]

Praise God! I am happy for this! Blessings to both of you!

[olger]

Thanks Denise. Your Bible posts have been much appreciated as well.

Thank you too Redwood. How's your day going today? Mine is busy as usual. The singing practice for the wedding went real well last night.

olger

[Woody]

Great. I am just about ready to go out and do some visits with my wife. I was going to say some pastoral visits but some might think "I" was doing the visits ... when I am just the tag along. One man we are visiting is struggling with health. He is very poor and just got mugged this week and had his only source of money taken from him for the month.

I feel like taking up a collection for him. I feel so bad.He is such a witness to me. He is in bad condition but yet is always so cheerful. A couple of weeks ago when we visited with him. His cracked eye glasses were being held on my rubber bands. But yet not one word of complaint. ONLY praise to God.

[aldona]

Here is a beautiful prayer.

Quote:

"Almighty and tender Lord Jesus Christ,

Just as I have asked You to love my friends,

So I ask the same for my enemies.

You alone, Lord, are mighty.

You alone are merciful.

Whatever you make me desire for my enemies,

Give it to them.

And give the same back to me.

If I ever ask for them anything

Which is outside Your perfect rule of love,

Whether through weakness, ignorance or malice,

Good Lord, do not give it to them,

And do not give it back to me.

You who are the true Light, correct their errors.

You who are the incarnate Word, give life to their souls.

Tender Lord Jesus,

Let me not be a stumbling block to them

Nor a rock of offense.

My sin is sufficient to me, without harming others.

I, a slave to sin,

Beg Your mercy on my fellow slaves.

Let them be reconciled to You,

And through You reconciled to me."

-- Anselm of Canterbury,

eleventh century A.D.

[Woody]

Great. I am just about ready to go out and do some visits with my wife. I was going to say some pastoral visits but some might think "I" was doing the visits ... when I am just the tag along. One man we are visiting is struggling with health. He is very poor and just got mugged this week and had his only source of money taken from him for the month.

I feel like taking up a collection for him. I feel so bad.He is such a witness to me. He is in bad condition but yet is always so cheerful. A couple of weeks ago when we visited with him. His cracked eye glasses were being held on my rubber bands. But yet not one word of complaint. ONLY praise to God.

Just got back from our visits. This wonderful soul. He is very ill. The doctor says he should be dead. He needs our prayers. He was shook up by the mugging. His case worker came over and told him he needed to go to the ER. He said NO ... my pastor and her husband are coming over to pray for me. I will be fine. What Faith. If only I had half of the faith that he has. He is an inspiration to me.

All this shows me that we simply do not have time to fight and then have to spend the time to make up .

Let's all get along.

[olger]

Those kind of people are an inspiration allright! Thanks for taking the time to care about him.

olger