Why am I labeled backslid and unusable by God

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

And those too.

I don't see the harm in talking about it - maybe someone might feel guilty for acting that way and realize that it's not their responsibility to pass judgement on those that do not agree with them.

I'm not sure I would call it passing judgment. When we all hold truths that are our gauge of making it to Eternity, we may take it personally if someone tries to tell us we are wrong.

I think the best thing is to realize that God has the heart of every soul that He created and it is our responsibility to pray, love and have compassion, whether we agree or not.

And being fair, we also don't know if there have been any words spoken by 192281, during his transition, that may have possibly caused some hurt or been offensive to some.

[192281]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I'm not sure I would call it passing judgment. When we all hold truths that are our gauge of making it to Eternity, we may take it personally if someone tries to tell us we are wrong.

I think the best thing is to realize that God has the heart of every soul that He created and it is our responsibility to pray, love and have compassion, whether we agree or not.

And being fair, we also don't know if there have been any words spoken by 192281, during his transition, that may have possibly caused some hurt or been offensive to some.

This is true you dont know, possibly because you have not read this thread. I only came here to vent because I wanted to make sure i didnt let it build up and let it out to someone at the church. I have only confided in my wife over my feelings...and obviously that is ok.

I would never want to show disrespect to my Pastor or the church. NO matter the feelings they have towards me I very much love them. The UPC church I attend currently has given me an amazing foundation that I will always cherish and be grateful for.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

So what did he do 'wrong' in your critical estimation: talking about it? Complaining to us? Leaving in the first place? Not sure of the ire he's drawn from some of you. As much as you question him, I question that all the more.

Originally Posted by 192281

This is true you dont know, possibly because you have not read this thread. I only came here to vent because I wanted to make sure i didnt let it build up and let it out to someone at the church. I have only confided in my wife over my feelings...and obviously that is ok.

I would never want to show disrespect to my Pastor or the church. NO matter the feelings they have towards me I very much love them. The UPC church I attend currently has given me an amazing foundation that I will always cherish and be grateful for.

If you say that you have talked to no one and have only come here, than I must believe you or I'd have to say that I don't believe you. And I certainly wouldn't want to have to do that.

[192281]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

If you say that you have talked to no one and have only come here, than I must believe you or I'd have to say that I don't believe you. And I certainly wouldn't want to have to do that.

Again not being disrespectful but it’s not a matter if you believe me or not. I just want you to understand my shock is not at their feelings but more so their actions and the way they are handling their feelings toward me.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by 192281

Again not being disrespectful but it’s not a matter if you believe me or not. I just want you to understand my shock is not at their feelings but more so their actions and the way they are handling their feelings toward me.

So, at the root, why are their feelings toward you like this? What is going on in their minds?

[192281]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

So, at the root, why are their feelings toward you like this? What is going on in their minds?

NO NO NO....not why do they feel the way they do but why in the world do they as "heaven bound Christians” publicly bash me and my family for our decisions. It’s ok to disagree with us but it’s not ok to say hurtful and mean things to us, others in the church, and to my family. If you dont like what we are doing that is fine but I can’t imagine God being ok with the way they are handling it...GET ON YOUR KNEES AND PRAY for us if you are that worried...Don't go tell my aunt, cousin, pastor, neighbor and whoever else that Im going to Hell and God will never use me at a different church...

and if they think Im wrong with what Im doing thats fine but how can they look in the mirror and think what they are doing is ok???

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by 192281

NO NO NO....not why do they feel the way they do but why in the world do they as "heaven bound Christians” publicly bash me and my family for our decisions. It’s ok to disagree with us but it’s not ok to say hurtful and mean things to us, others in the church, and to my family. If you dont like what we are doing that is fine but I can’t imagine God being ok with the way they are handling it...GET ON YOUR KNEES AND PRAY for us if you are that worried...Don't go tell my aunt, cousin, pastor, neighbor and whoever else that Im going to Hell and God will never use me at a different church...

and if they think Im wrong with what Im doing thats fine but how can they look in the mirror and think what they are doing is ok???

Again, it is a hurtful time for you. You have made a decision to follow another way. Go and do it. Just remember that for these people, this is shocking because it's a heaven or hell issue for them. That's intense.

They are going to be upset about it. And some are going to get really ugly, which is also unfortunate. You aren't going to change them. Not everyone that goes to church has a prayer life, but I'm sure you already found that out. LOL!

If you grow in more patience and understanding through this, as I am sure you will, and some on the other side will too as time goes by, you will have all gained in some way. Some won't learn a thing, but that can't be our worry.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I'm not sure I would call it passing judgment. When we all hold truths that are our gauge of making it to Eternity, we may take it personally if someone tries to tell us we are wrong.

I think the best thing is to realize that God has the heart of every soul that He created and it is our responsibility to pray, love and have compassion, whether we agree or not.

And being fair, we also don't know if there have been any words spoken by 192281, during his transition, that may have possibly caused some hurt or been offensive to some.

Lol - - if this was an isolated incident I would agree with you, but PO - - it's happened to me and I've seen it happen to many others. I've just witnessed it between two UPC churches - one has been forbidden to have anything to do with the other because some the ladies in one church wear pants and cut their hair.

Of course, it's passing judgement. You no longer believe like we do, so you are lost. What else would you call it?

Misdirected concern?

You've reversed it - - 19 hasn't told them they are wrong - he's just saying it's not right for him. They are the ones telling him he's lost now.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Lol - - if this was an isolated incident I would agree with you, but PO - - it's happened to me and I've seen it happen to many others. I've just witnessed it between two UPC churches - one has been forbidden to have anything to do with the other because some the ladies in one church wear pants and cut their hair.

Of course, it's passing judgement. You no longer believe like we do, so you are lost. What else would you call it?

Misdirected concern?

You've reversed it - - 19 hasn't told them they are wrong - he's just saying it's not right for him. They are the ones telling him he's lost now.

My point is that if these people believe this is truth to them, how can that be passing judgment? How can they NOT think he is wrong and not share that with him? He's family, as has been stated? Right? Families can get really angry over stuff. lol

They aren't allowed to say that they think he is wrong? Why not?

He told them they are wrong by leaving. He doesn't have to say it.

I'm not saying he is wrong for leaving. He should leave, but I think it's ridiculous to think someone isn't going to get upset over it, especially, since he was a leader and had been with them for any length of time.

I think people should be understanding and compassionate, but when someone feels strongly that you are wrong, they are just going to voice that and they are going to be upset. It's a no-brainer.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

It's a no-brainer.

Yep.