Condemning Others

[Woody]

How can we as members of Club Adventist apply these words of wisdom ???

Quote:

"God will charge those who unwisely expose the mistakes of their brethren with sin of far greater magnitude than He will charge the one who makes a misstep. Criticism and condemnation of the brethren are counted as criticism and condemnation of Christ."

--Letter 48, 1894, 3 SM 345.

[Neil D]

How can we as members of Club Adventist apply these words of wisdom ???

--Letter 48, 1894, 3 SM 345. quoted.

I have to ask, and I already know that the answer will be defensive. What is the reason for asking?

I know that when I ask these type of questions, when I examine my motive for asking, I find that I want to convict someone of the errors of thier ways....that is, if I am truely honest with myself....I just want to 'nudge' someone of thier problemes and get them to realize that they need to change...And when I realize that, and examine that need to convict someone of thier sins, I also realize it is a grab for power...the Holy Spirit's power....And I realize that it is a desire to be God....

I can't be God...I can't be the Holy Spirit...I can't ask these type of questions.....Cuz I have tried to play God, and I screw it up every time.....Maybe you'all can play God, but I can't...All I can do is vent my fustration....

[Woody]

Thank you Neil. The reason is simply. To start a discussion. And your perspective is just as valuable as anyones here. So, I thank you for it. Others may come from a different experience but all are welcome. No set agenda here. Just join in. Anyone who knows me ... knows that this is not a new topic of mine. But I think the topic has value.

I view CA as a mini church. As I have said in the past ... I have been on church boards where the sins of the members are readily pointed out. This has wounded me. I don't understand how that can be in a loving church. Therefore, I don't believe we as a loving church should be in the business of looking at others sins.

Some here are of the belief that if you love someone you will care enough to point out their sins. I would say to them that instead they should point them to Jesus and HE will point out their sins.

This is the meat of where I personally am coming from. Some here at CA would like to point out the sins of the brethern. The discussions here can easily turn into this. I have been called names and told who's side I am on. I guess that is one approach. And some will defend it. But, I am curious about what God really wants. I am human. I could easily revert to this level just as anyone. But is it the right direction?

But please ... I don't mean to control this discussion. Take it to any place you want to take it. The quote is open for discussion.

[Dr. Shane]

"God will charge those who unwisely expose the mistakes of their brethren with sin of far greater magnitude than He will charge the one who makes a misstep. Criticism and condemnation of the brethren are counted as criticism and condemnation of Christ."

--Letter 48, 1894, 3 SM 345.

My initial reaction is that the quote is too small to get a good context.

"unwisely expose the mistakes"

Is this in contrast to those that wisely expose mistakes? Are we talking about a difference in motives or methods?

"Criticism and condemnation of the brethren"

Is she talking about gossip, open rebuke or private rebuke?

We are instructed to rebuke those that are in error. Of course such rebuke needs to be in love and done as per Matthew 18. However I am not sure C/A needs to be a place where members are rebuking others and trying to expose their errors. When disagreeing with others here, I think it is best if we focus on issues rather than personalizing our disagreements. We hardly know each other well enough to be in a position to rebuke any in a personal way.

[Woody]

Thanks Shane ... Some food for thought and interesting perspectives. If we followed Matt. 18 I think that much of this trouble we are discussing ... would cease. Matt. 18 is meant to be private. Too much of what we see now days ... is open condemnation.

I think I would classify that as "unwise".

[cricket]

How can we as members of Club Adventist apply these words of wisdom ???

Quote:

"God will charge those who unwisely expose the mistakes of their brethren with sin of far greater magnitude than He will charge the one who makes a misstep. Criticism and condemnation of the brethren are counted as criticism and condemnation of Christ."

--Letter 48, 1894, 3 SM 345.

Act like Christ, so that when we are criticized and condemned there will be no ramifications on our selves.

[Woody]

Good point Cricket.

You know ... Ellen White was physically assaulted while speaking once. The person was hauled off by the police and charged with battery.

What was Ellen's response. The account that I have says she indicated that she loved him anyway. It is an interesting account.

Could this be an example for what we face here. She was just speaking what she believed in. And she got attacked. Some here have the same feelings.