Us and Them - Who is Who????

I love it!

Please try to understand the person's point of view in this domain.
Do not use your Bible as a reference or to prove your point. It isn't going to be productive nor is it reasonable for them to accept your arguments based upon something they are already wary of. Also be aware that even in our own Christian domain there are arguments about interpretations of the Word and even the Text one should use.
It is a useless endeavor.
Also, take a position of genuine inquiry. No person likes to be treated as a fool or as if you are better than they are. When you dismiss their ideas without reasonable and respectful manners you insult them.
YOU do not lead someone to God - He calls them. One plants the seed, another waters and a third collects the harvest.
If you are seeding do so with gentleness and prepare the ground with respect and tenderness. Show respect and be REAL in your attempts to understand them.
If you are watering do so in plain terms and answer their inquiries with humility and love as if they are the most delicate plant in your garden.
The harvest will be for a third not for us.
I tire of argumentative or combative situations. Years ago I thrived on them but found no REAL pleasure in the seeming victory. Not only was the victory fleeting but in hammering someone and trying to make a fool of them I lost more and more possible friends. Friends that I need.
The sharp tongue not only destroys a relationship but puts others at bay. They fear approaching you for fear they may suffer the same fate.
That isolation makes one lonely and confused because you 'think' your 'brutal honesty' is a virtue when in fact it is a liability.
It makes others fear you so they will not confide in you nor tell you what they really think. They don't seek your 'wise counsel' and therefore opportunities to serve others is diminished. Being a Christian means serving God and those around you - especially the weak.
The other detrimental situation is that when you are not trusted people will not offer you the help or guidance you yourself need to grow. They keep their distance because your manners tell them that you already think you know it all. So you remain in the grip of your own delusions and justifications or rationalizations completely ignorant of the truth.
The ultimate consequence is that stupidity bred with bad manners begets emotional, psychological and spiritual death.
Seek wisdom and trust God will do the work in His time - not ours.
Leave peacably whenever and wherever possible allowing for further dialogue.

Keep groovin'

Us and Them - Who is Who???? Ha ha ha