RE: [TruthTalk] Assuming the best / walking in love?

[ShieldsFamily]

Jonathan asks the following as clarification:  If thinking evil of another brings evil upon oneself would it be appropriate to say that to think good of another brings good upon oneself?  It appears to me that this is following a line of thought that involves karma.  One builds up karma and one depletes karma.  Do our good works build up acceptance/love in God and our 'bad' works remove from that stash?  I think the blessing/cursing aspect of this is wholly unchristian.  We also need to keep in mind the difference between thinking the best of someone and thinking evil of someone.  Evil needs to be defined.  To not assume the best of someone is not necessarily evil.  Assuming the best can even be downright naive.  Wanting the best is another matter.   At the same time let me leave a disclaimer by stating that I do believe that sin has consequences.  I do not believe that these consequences involve removing us from God's acceptance and fellowship.  Many here on this forum disagree with me on this point.Jonathan Hughes   Jonathan, I believe Karma is an _expression_ of man’s trying to explain a true spiritual phenomenon of “cast your bread on the waters and after many days it will return to you.”  In my discussion of this issue I am not trying to say that God’s acceptance of us is necessarily related to what we think of others.  However, our fellowship with God is enhanced by our cooperation with Him/His commandments, and diminished by our rejection of Him/His commandments.  Why did He give us commandments anyway? To HELP us draw nearer to Him and to His blessings (health in body, soul, and spirit both now and in eternity.) I should have clarified.  Thinking evil is sometimes quite appropriate because they ARE obviously evil. (ie: Arafat)  I am speaking of assuming evil about someone when they, in fact, might not be.  Only God knows for sure when it is a grey area.  It is imperative for our own well-being that we be of one mind with God in making judgments about others.  Sometimes this is quite easy; sometimes not.  When in doubt I believe Jesus commands us to assume the best until we know better.  We are to “judge with righteous judgment”.  So, if someone really IS evil and we know that for sure, then it is a sin I believe, NOT to say so.  We should hate evil and expose it, which helps to stamp it out and warn others. What happens when we assume the best of others whenever possible? I believe we (1) avoid sin and its penalties, (2) have peace of mind, (3) are usually correct, (4) are open to receiving the blessings that God sends to the good-hearted if you will.  So what happens if/when we wrongly assume the worst of others? What if we think/speak evil of someone beloved of God? We (1) sin, and are open to the penalties of such, (2) have a negative mindset which has many emotional/physical repercussions, (3) are often wrong, and need to repent, (4) block ourselves from blessings from heaven, including answered prayers.  These are reasons that I am hesitant to speak evil of questionable “evangelists”, etc., unless I am REALLY sure about them.  I’m sure I haven’t thought this out completely, and would appreciate feedback from whoever.  Izzy