What This Forum Means To You. What It Should Be.

[UntoHim]

Originally Posted by JB482

I think there needs to be more positive truth from God's Word shared to edify the saint's here. More glory and praise given to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Firstly, I want to emphasize that I unequivocally, without reservation, emphatically and wholeheartedly agree with what JB482 has said here! Let's face it guys, discussions revolving around the kinds of topics were are dealing with on this forum can get rather contentious, and sometimes just downright tedious. At times, some brothers and sisters may feel intimidated and discouraged about the tone and tenor around here, and feel that their "positive" contributions to the forum are not welcomed. Nothing could be further from the truth!

However, I think we would all do well to keep in mind that we are all coming from different places and have different experiences with the Local Church. Some are deeply wounded and their scares are going to be visible for all to see, and this will naturally come out in their postings. This forum is here for them. Some have had nothing but positive experiences in the Local Church, and their positive view regarding the ministry of Witness Lee and the movement will naturally come out in their postings. This forum is for them as well! To be sure, most of the forum's members' experience and outlook is probably a "mixed bag" of positive and negative experiences. For some, they tend to want to mainly share, and emphasize, their critiques and criticisms. For others, they would feel to share, and emphasize, the positive aspects and experiences. Both are welcomed and needed on LocalChurchDiscussions!

I have seen what some have posted and I don't think it was done in the Spirit of Christ.

Point well-accepted, and even appreciated. Although I think most of us strive to be posting on this forum in "the Spirit of Christ", I believe we should always be trying to give as much understanding and grace to our fellow forum members as we can. Our hearts and minds are not necessarily in the same place. Let's be honest, the Spirit of Christ has not necessarily influenced or penetrated our being as much as he should, and our postings will only be as "seasoned with salt", and with only as much "grace and truth" as we have received from the Lord himself.
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[Cal]

I understand where JB482 is coming from. I would also ask him/her for grace in receiving the board members' posts with understanding. Hate-filled posts are never good. But anger over hurt should be admissible, along with some of the barbs and warts that come with it. And tough words are almost impossible to avoid in this situation.

This board values Christian love, but also must value honesty and sincerity over political decorum. I would rather have a poster be a little rough and well-meaning, than use decorum to conceal a dagger. And, sad to say, that was sometimes standard operating procedure in the LR. Some are used to it.

Jesus socialized and traveled with fishermen, tax-collectors and even prostitutes. Surely those people were not the most refined specimens. I'm sure he heard some things along the way that would make a BB blush, but they probably didn't faze him.

But point well taken, JB482.

[aron]

My posts are sometimes vituperative and lack charity. I admit this, and repent. But in the gospels when the people were getting shed of their demons it wasn't always pretty - rolling around in the dust and yelling. So bear with us and we'll bear with you. Eventually you get something quite positive, affirming, and uplifting. There is hope. There is hope amidst the ashes.