Doing things Biblically
There's one part of being a Christian I really don't like:
I don't like confronting people when they're doing something wrong.
I'm not talking about the typical view of Fundamentalist picking on others for not dressing correctly or using the wrong version of the Bible, or fussing because someone is having fun someplace.
Nor am I talking about protesting group X or Y. I was never much into protesting. I have my doubts that holding signs that say "God Hates [insert item here]" is a very effective means to winning people over to my point of view. I've never done that and I don't plan on starting any time soon. I contend that these people aren't really Fundamentalists and barely Christian, if at all.
What I mean is this: I have to go address an issue with someone who should know better.
It's not a "big" sin like tax evasion or putting on one shoe before you've even put the sock on the other foot (everyone knows you must put both socks on before even attempting to put on a single shoe). The problem I have to address is an unforgiving heart.
So what's my problem? I'm a third party to what happened but the angry individual told me the story. Now I've got to say something to them about their attitude. Why? Why can't I just let them fume?
God has called each and every Christian to help each other as we deal with problems. Sometimes that help requires a 2x4 upside the head. Check out Matt 18:15-16:
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone. If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Oh, that said "two or three", not "two by four". Well anyway, the point is to talk to someone individually and not blab it all over the place. What I have to do is tell them that by refusing to talk to the individual that trespassed against them they are not giving them the opportunity to repent. And by harboring a grudge against them indefinitely they are not forgiving as they should (Matt 6:14-15):
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
So it really is kind of a big deal to point this out. But why do I have to do it?
As I tell my kids when they say "Why me?" when told to wash the dishes, pick up toys, or some other chore: "It's you and them's the breaks." Because I was told of the "trespass" that was done against them and how they "can't forgive", it is now my responsibility to help them deal with it. Since the problem isn't against me I can't really go to the pastor and say "you have to do something about this!" That ends up being me spreading gossip about others. Ugh. I have to do this individually. If they won't listen to me, then I can get some help.
But it's still not much fun.
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