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Christian Forums and How to Communicate in Them
By Chris Esty
I have been going to Christian forums for years; and the one thing that I have noticed that takes place often, which should not happen at all, is people getting into senseless arguments and debates with each other over things that Christians should be in agreement with. Thus, they weaken their witness for Christ to unbelievers as they give the impression that there is no love in Christianity.
With that being said, there are a few simple rules to follow to avoid creating such conflicts in communication, which I believe will increase the strength of our witness for Christ when implemented, and ultimately give people a better picture of what it means to be both loving and respectful of others. They are as follows: 1. Ask questions It is always good to ask questions when someone says something that either appears to be offensive to you, or is just simply unclear. Finding out what people mean when they use certain terms can help to avoid unnecessary conflict. Let's face it, not everyone uses words in the same way. So it is best to find out what a person means before jumping to conclusions and thus assuming the worst about that person. Just as James put it: "let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;" (James 1:19 NKJV)
2. A statement is Not an Attack There is a tendency to assume that just because someone says something negative about something that that means that person is referring to one or more people who are involved in a thread. This is not necessarily true. Sometimes people say things just to add further thought to an idea. Therefore, it is best not to assume the worst in a response, but to ask for further clarification before identifying it as offensive, or seeing it as being directed at you or someone else in that thread. 3. Always be Polite If you feel the need to lash out at someone because you don't agree with what they have said, then that is when you need to take a break from that thread. In other words, don't post unless you can honestly say God will approve of the words that you wish to use to convey your message. The words of Peter come to mind here: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;" (1 Peter 3:15 NKJV) 4. Don't be Condescending Don't tell people that they need to read the Bible just because they don't agree with you. There are better ways to get people into the Word. It is not only an insult to speak to someone in this way, but it is an offense to God, because His Word is not to be used as a club. It is to be revered and shared with love. 5. Don't be Prideful Be open to the possibility that you might have taken something the wrong way, or that you may be wrong in how you are interpreting scripture. And if you have caused a person unnecessary pain, then, by all means apologize to that person. After all, it is better to keep friends than it is to make enemies. I think that if more people would follow these rules there would be less conflict. And the name of Jesus Christ would be honored as a result of you disclosing a character that reflects His! "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35 NKJV)
This intel first appeared on: http://christianforums.com/showpost.php?p=48142177&postcount=1
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The copyright for this content entitled "Christian Forums and How to Communicate in Them" has been specified by the contributor as:
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The copyright for this content has been relinquished by the author. The content may be used freely by anyone.
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This intel was contributed by cvdesty
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May, 2012
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