| RE: .0
I remember once, very recently, I was accused of doing
something that I didn't do. It was one of those things that the
circumstances dictated that I say nothing in defense. It was one of
the most humbling expierences I have ever known. I went from being
angry (within) to being forgiving (also within) and these feelings
fliped back and forth so often that I didn't understand my own feelings
at any given time....I hated it!
God seemed to grant me a peace after I turned it over to
him.
Dave
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| Some will tell you that I have become bitter and sarcastic as a
result of persecution. Being castigated, ridiculed, shunned and
even called a "pompous ass" in an offline note from a moderator of
another religious conference certainly has a tendency to cause one
to be a little on the pre-emptive side conversationally, I must admit.
Mark Twain once said that a cat, having sat on a hot burner, will
never sit on a hot burner again. But, neither will that cat sit on
a cool one, either.
Nobody enjoys getting burned, I guess.
I have to constantly remind myself that Christ endures whatever
is necessary to endure for the sake of love, and that as Christ's
follower, I can do no less. It isn't easy and I stumble a lot.
God forgive me.
Peace,
Richard
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One thing that helps me is that I'm not surprised by persecution. John
15:20 tells us this. As a matter of fact persecution, although not
pleasant in and of itself can bring us joy(Matt 5:10-12, Act 5:41,42)
The main thing is to keep acting toward others in a way that will be
pleasing to God. Be slow to anger (Prov 14:29.
THe question to ask ourselves is "Why are we being persecuted?"
Robin
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