[Faith-talk] a gentle reminder to our brothers and sisters on this list

[Jorge Paez]

Greetings everyone.
After much thought and meditation I feel called to write this as a
gentle reminder to our brothers and sisters of all faiths on this
list, specially considering several discussions that were not exactly
all that nice a few weeks back.
I humbly write this, knowing that it may rub some of you the wrong
way, but hope only to give a gentle reminder, particularly to those of
us who are of the monotheistic faiths.
I can write a lot of things, and maybe quote a couple of bible verses,
or verses from the Coran here and there, but I won't because to do so
is unnecessary.
Let me simply say this.
First of all, remember that words are just that, words.
Saying that Christ is your Lord and Savior, or saying there is no god
but God, is simply a choice of words.
Behind that must lay a strong belief, and a strong will to act in peace.
I understand that we have rules.
I understand that many of us believe certain practices to be
incompatible with our faith.
I understand.
But remember only this.
True believers do not judge; rather, true believers have their eyes
set on heaven.
Let those who wish to practice things you see unfit practice as they
do, and defend your case with only mild words.
No bible verses, no verses from scripture, because many times that can
come across as arrogant--particularly if you are not of that faith
yourself.
All I say is, remember that our greatest testimony is our lives.
Our actions.
What words we say, and how we say them, are just as crucial as everything else.
But to draw to the last point so as to not make this message too long,
I'll just say this.
Keep your eyes fixed on heaven, and always act with peace, even if you
disagree; don't start quoting bible verses and so forth and explaining
how you're against it because your faith says this and this and
that--just focus on why you believe you don't need it, rather then why
it is negative or harmful to one person or other.
And above all, remember that the greatest testimony you can give of
your faith, whatever that may be, is not given through a chriticism of
another's beliefs, but an explanation of your own.
Life itself, is the greatest testimony.
Obviously, a lot of us cannot see each other in person in that way,
but I only write all this for the following reason.
Act in peace, and you will receive peace.
Do not be angry, do not react towards those who practice things you
don't see as acceptable, for one simple reason.
Giving into anger, or any reactionary flare, is losing your cool, and
loosing your mind.
Sure, its only a few minutes, but a lot can be said in a few minutes.
And since email is our only form of communication here; remember that
everything you do, reflects not only on you but on your
faith--whatever your own faith may be.
Just wanted to share my thoughts with all of you.




-- 
Yours in Christ,

Jorge

linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgeapaez



Two are better off than one, because together they can work more
effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him . . .
Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A
rope made of three cords is hard to break.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 (TEV)


A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is
a flourishing tree.

Proverbs 11:28 (Msg)

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord. . . . They are like trees
planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of
drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing
delicious fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7 8 (NLT)

For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and
invisible, . . . everything got started in him and finds its purpose
in him.

Colossians 1:16 (Msg)

Unless you assume a God, the question of life s purpose is meaningless.

Bertrand Russell, atheist


By your hand save me from such people, Lord, from those of this world
whose reward is in this life. May what you have stored up for the
wicked fill their bellies; may their children gorge themselves on it,
and may there be leftovers for their little ones. Psalm 17:14













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