I know that in food, presentation is certainly important. Improperly presented food will make even a good tasting dish seem to taste less than satisfying. And a good presentation can often help to overcome a badly cooked meal (though not always, of course).
But does this apply to our witness?
Brother Robbins made a comment in his apology thread. And let me say right off the bat that I appreciate his willingness to apologise publicly in the manner he did. But something he said got me thinking...
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Bro. Robbins
There is never, ever, a time that anyone wins any argument, much less gains influence with their testimony for Christ by belittling others, or making assertions of someone else's character, intelligence, or especially their walk with God.
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I got to thinking, what about these scriptures?
Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. (
Luke 11:45)
So Jesus is teaching and some folks got offended, saying that He was insulting them, being derogatory towards them. And His response? Did He say something like 'Oh, I don't mean to insult anyone, I am just saying...'?
No, here's what He did:
And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.
And so on it went, breaking down into what might be called today a heated argument, as they began to 'vehemently urge Him, to speak many things' and so forth. At least, it seems as if His statements provoked a heated reaction from those folks He was speaking to and about.
In short, it seems that "...making assertions of someone else's character, intelligence, or especially their walk with God" are sometimes Biblical methods used by Jesus in His public teaching.
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