In another forum, there was an off-topic sidebar discussion about respect and lack of it, what it is, what it looks like and how people should be treated. This discussion is meant as a place to continue that dialog....

arsindelve- 3/18/2008 10:45:53 AM

1st Peter 3:15-16 states:

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Remember, God will not be mocked. There is a scripture to answer every question a "believer" has.

mrspiggy- 3/18/2008 11:23:35 AM

There was some discussion that it's acceptable to call people names because Jesus did it, and I think there was even a hint that it's OK to be rude, since people thought He was rude.

I think we all need to be careful with this kind of logic. First, Jesus was NEVER rude. Everything He did was out of love, but people found Him rude when their hearts were hard. This is very different from someone setting out to be rude. If you do something kind and gentle which is Biblically sound and driven by love and others take it to be rude, then so be it. Be if you set out to be rude, or don't care what others think, something is very wrong with that picture.

Second, Jesus can call people names because He was perfect and what he said was precise, specific and deliberate. None of us can use this an an excuse for slander and certainly not as an excuse to be malicious. When Christians do it, especially to non-Christians, it's in poor taste and there's no reason for it.

There is no reason to be rude to anyone. Kindness, patience, love and respect need to rule the day.

Was I out of line to demand respect in all discussions? You tell me.....let me know what you think.....

Mrs. Piggy - so you know, that is my all-time favorite verse. That verse is the reason this web site exists.

arsindelve- 3/18/2008 11:39:13 AM

Just sowing seed, man. That's my purpose.

We tend to forget that the Word is for the believer - to encourage, inspire, and instruct. We should not expect unbelievers to understand it, it's not written in their language.

mrspiggy- 3/18/2008 12:07:24 PM