Colin stated>I find it odd that people who profess such a love of Jesus can be so much the opposite of what he stood for.Franklin> not sure whether you're referring to Jeff or me. I do recognize that the opposite of love is hate. Having reread my last posting, I could not construe anything I wrote as "hate-filled". Biting obviously; (failed) "wit" perhaps. Some thinly veiled disgust at certain innuendos and comments scathingly scattered my way. But responses portraying hate? It seems to me I've seen far more vitriolic language and comments regarding such topics as "rappers", "scantily clad" celebrities, Wagner. Yet I presumed it was from passions born of frustration, conviction, opinion, even (dare I say) bordom, and have accepted them all in that light.
It seems "Christians" or those struggling with that discipline are simply held up to greater scrutiny - and probably well should be. I'll confess I am a poor example of my own philosophy at times. I believe a statement in "From Walden Pond" by Mr. Henry David said something like "no philosopher has ever lived up to their philosophy, with the exception of Jesus". Who wouldn't, upon reading his biography, yearn to live, love and treat people (particularly "sinners" - all too often interpreted as those we don't "agree" with, by all of us I might kindly add) as he did: with acceptance, understanding, pity and yes - all in love. I also note that He never seemed to feel a need to justify or defend himself, as many of "us" do in our communications here. I feel my many needs and recognize that I still have a long road to travel - darn, and I'm strong-willed, selfish and lazy to boot! Yet the "train" keeps a rollin'. This too shall pass. Hopefully to higher ground.
Perhaps I haven't been "here" long enough to have my own peculiar patterns of communication understood or "accepted". The Bible also states that love is long-suffering. I can only request that you bear with me as I stumble along, attempting to "perfect" the fine art of communication, conversation, rebuttal (not to mention "wit"). I see a lot of love expressed on this list as well as cantankerousness regarding varying topics. I generally understand and accept them both, and have witnessed others obviously exercising the same tolerance towards those whose "passion" can at times run amuck. I have seen few (read:no) thought patterns aimed at so personally attacking or unfairly targeting fellow threaders as those of a certain individual against me. Not that it has had me "crying in my vegetarian soup" mind you. Perhaps just a subconscious reason (read: excuse) to exercise my own judgmental (read nasty) little flaws. Something I'm at times successful in repressing - at others, it's just too tempting (cackle, cackle). But hatred? Hardly.
I will concede that fighting "fire" with "fire" is a ridiculous proposition. And if that is what you were attempting to point out, I thank you for your insightful thoughts. They have made me reconsider my communicative repertoire. As to the implication of hate (being the opposite of love), I'm familiar enough with the feeling, having experienced it too times in my mistake-riddled life to assure you that it was by no means my intention to convey anything remotely resembling that soul-defiling feeling.
Nonetheless, wit, sarcasm and riling rebuttals can be misconstrued. I therefore openly apologize for anything that seemed to "cross" the line between heated conversation, barb-returning, and mean-spiritedness or misinterpreted wit, and request understanding, patience and mercy from any fellow "Joni-lovers" here who've been offended. I have been through my share of pain, trouble in life (mostly self-induced) and find that healing can be a formidable task (perhaps others here can share THAT sentiment). I thank MY God, (we all seem to have One or another) for His patience in dealing with me, and power in helping me. He more often than not does it through others, so I have taken a couple of the initial reactions to heart. Thank you for the kind, and presumably "loving" input!
I did find an interesting quote on love, that I might venture to share: "Love is dwelt upon as the chief attribute of God; yet it is degraded into a weak sentimentalism, making little distinction between good and evil." Call me old-fashioned, but I grasp the intentions of the author here.
Kasey stated regarding his above insight: Perfectly said Colin! I have John, and you in my prayers. To even think the one you love is ill is heart wrenching. I'm glad it wasn't anything worse.Franklin> Boy, a lot of people say things "perfectly" (to each other) on this list! Have you ever noticed that? (lol, meant as gentle wit - failed or not). I too am praying for you and your loved one Colin (hope you don't mind). I also hope everything is much better as I write this. I sympathize with the concern, pain fear and grief you have just had (perhaps still are) to experience. I sincerely wish all is WELL with the two of you!
I'll bid you momentary adieu, and await the next potential thrashing rebuttal from my new pen pal. In the meantime, I will refrain, as I thus far have, from misconstruing his comments, callousness, inexplicable intentions and wit (he does display some worthy wit - biting or otherwise) - as hatred. As witnessed on previous posts, I like some participants here on other topics have a hard time "letting it go" sometimes. That is a good virtue to practice, and as we all know "practice makes "'perfect'"(don't know who to attribute that too - probably ol' Ben (the Christian) Franklin - just a guess). Perhaps there's hope for ALL of us after all. (wink, smile)
Franklin
NP The Animals "Please Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" ;)
