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Originally Posted by Praxeas
But is this because they disrespected "men and women of God" as opposed to those Pentecostals consider to be NOT men and women of God? Or is it because they are simply unrepented
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A man or woman of God is just that because of what God thinks about them. I would think you would know that, Prax.
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Amen. Thank you. But still is it because of the disrespect or because of the lingering repentance and rebellion
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It's both. You place yourself in a dangerous position by showing disrespect in the first place, and if you refuse to repent, you're placing yourself in a much worse position, as far as God is concerned.
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This is true, however it might be damaging for an offended party to wait around for something to happen. We have to move on in a lot of cases and that might mean finding another church in some
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I never said someone had to "wait around." But I don't think you should return evil for evil, or even (necessarily) make sure the other person is met with
justice.
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Amen. I think God looks at many of our "situations" as petty. He wants us to move on to perfection.
In my experience I had a situation with a pastor. He was a great man of God and I loved him dearly. But I had something happen between us. It was really hard on me and I held a grudge for a long time. But I always knew this was wrong, even if I was wronged and he was in the wrong. I had to get over it.
I was praying and praying. One day, as I was heading toward an alter call I looked over at him and I just quickly thought to the Lord "Am I wrong or is he wrong!?!" and the Lord spoke to me clear as day and said very simply "Forgive him".
God did not justify myself or my pastor. What was important was forgiveness and to move on. I got the total victory that day. Praise God. The truth is nobody is perfect and people we love are going to do or say things that hurt us and vice versa. Unless it is something repetitive the best thing in situations like that is to get the victory and stay there and help that church. If you leave without getting the victory it will be like a spirit that follows you everywhere you go.
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Repentance and forgiveness are very important, but I do agree that we can forgive, for our own sanity and relationship with God, even if another person doesn't ask us for forgiveness.
I think all of us can lose our tongues from time to time, smart off, be flippant, etc., that's not what I'm talking about. Although it's important to make sure you apologize if you do lose your temper. The scenario presented is extreme, and I think God will react with the same extremity most of the time, unless they repent of their actions.
I do believe that we are to be especially respectful to ministers and elders. I think scripture bears that out both verbatim and in principle. What I will say to my peers, I will not say to my pastor without his allowance for me to speak my mind. And then I will make sure I speak it respectfully.
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