But passionate belief must never eclipse compassionate engagement with those who do not see the truth as we see it. In the life of a Christian, there is no room for demeaning and disrespectful behavior toward others. The integrity of our faith and witness demands charity toward all people. Being charitable toward another is more than being polite; it means seeking the good of others, even those who misunderstand you, malign you, and even seek to harm you. Although often mistaken for weakness, acting charitably toward others requires the strength of conviction and depth of character that many lack (p.2).
We do not communicate anymore. We do a great deal of talking, but we fail to listen to what the other person has to say. We are so caught up in ourselves and our positions, we do not bother to listen.
We have come to the point where everything is viewed through our point of view. One cannot criticize without be accused of some form of bigotry.
A friend tells of a pastor who sees everything from the feminist perspective. It seems that no matter what the issue, if she is challenged it because one is anti-feminist. The discussion is clouded, if not ended because of one's bias and distortion of the issue. After a while, one just decides not to discuss anything substantive...what good does it do!
I guess I'm a news junkie, or at least used to be one. But the news channels have turned into yelling matches and no one listens to the other point of view.
Congress is easy to ascribe names to those who differ with them. The President paints villainous those who disagree.
Where's the communication? One cannot say "I want to hear you!" and at the same time plug their ears and call others names.
We need to keep our mouths shut and listen for a change...particularly as believers in Jesus Christ.
We do not communicate anymore. We do a great deal of talking, but we fail to listen to what the other person has to say. We are so caught up in ourselves and our positions, we do not bother to listen.
We have come to the point where everything is viewed through our point of view. One cannot criticize without be accused of some form of bigotry.
A friend tells of a pastor who sees everything from the feminist perspective. It seems that no matter what the issue, if she is challenged it because one is anti-feminist. The discussion is clouded, if not ended because of one's bias and distortion of the issue. After a while, one just decides not to discuss anything substantive...what good does it do!
I guess I'm a news junkie, or at least used to be one. But the news channels have turned into yelling matches and no one listens to the other point of view.
Congress is easy to ascribe names to those who differ with them. The President paints villainous those who disagree.
Where's the communication? One cannot say "I want to hear you!" and at the same time plug their ears and call others names.
We need to keep our mouths shut and listen for a change...particularly as believers in Jesus Christ.
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