Quote:
Originally Posted by Terry
Nigel said, In fact, many feel that divisions within the Local Church movement have been more acrimonious than Christian congregations usually experience. Why is this? Is it due to a lack of forbearance? Or is it because a lack of Christ's love?
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I have noticed several characteristics in non-LC churches that have been lacking in the LC:
- Forbearance
- Love
- Meekness
- Forgiveness
Ironically these words were uttered at the Phoenix Accord in 2003. To any Christian these words are not meant to be rhetoric, but to have action. In my honest opinion the faulty practice of deputy authority is preventing brothers from expressing forbearance, love, meekness, and forgiveness in their actions.
In Nigel's article
The “PHOENIX ACCORD” An Historic Document – Presentation & Commentary, the applications that came out of the Phoenix Accord were,
1. In whatever fellowship we have, we should exercise forbearance, love, meekness, and forgiveness as we work through problems that confront us.
2. In all of our speaking-privately, publicly, and globally-we should refrain from indictments and innuendos.
3. At all times we should find ways to keep open lines of fellowship among the brothers.
4. We should let go of the negative and, in turn, emphasize the positive.
5. Direct communication is imperative in all our relationships.
6. We should look for resolution of problems through constant, personal, face-to-face fellowship.
7. We should try not to misunderstand one another but to understand by giving each other the benefit of the doubt.
8. We should endeavor to help the saints and those with whom we serve to keep the oneness of the Spirit and to speak well of all the churches, saints, elders, and co-workers.
Paul's word to the Colossians, he exhorted them to put aside "
anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth". To avoid this acrimonious trend in the Local Churches, words of blessing, grace, and mercy in humility must become the new normal.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15