Corona Devo 2030

Can we just talk?

~~~

How do we handle communication with someone that holds a different opinion than us?  

Are we first and loudest to speak, without regard for the other person's view?

A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.  ~Proverbs 18:2 

Or are we willing and wise-enough to engage in fair discussion and debate? 

There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.  ~Proverbs 12:18  

Can we just talk?

~~~

The Bible not only has advice for us on how to communicate when we find ourselves at odds with someone, but God's Word reminds us of how the Lord goes about connecting when there is not (an apparent) connection.

For instance, take us.  

Take our sin.  Take our short-comings, and take our vulnerabilities, and take our transgressions before we came-to-Jesus or accepted-the-Lord. 

And then take the Lord.  Take His holiness.  Take His sin-less-ness, and take His complete purity.

How does (holy) God handle communication with (unholy) us?  

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord“Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  ~Isaiah 1:18   

The Lord invites us into connection and (even) conversation with Him.  
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord...  ~Isaiah 1:18

How do we handle communication with someone that holds a different opinion than us?  Can we just talk and reason together?

A friend and I did this (healthily) the other day.  We had the (beautiful) advantage of starting off as friends, and so our difference-in-opinion almost seemed to catch both of us by surprise.

And--both feeling strongly about our convictions, neither of us were also willing to walk away from the discussion, and so, we reasoned together.

Our friendship is based on our common roles as wives, mom's, volunteers, and even church-goers.  But our differences stemmed from our different positions on a recent tragic event in our Nation.  

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,  ~James 1:19

We both listened to each other, and you are welcome to listen in as well.  

FRIEND: 
I am sorry...this is not something I find any positivity in...

What happened to Charlie Kirk was horrific and no person should ever lose their life in such a way.  His murder did not make him a martyr for Christianity though.  He was a vile man with harmful thoughts about his fellow human beings, and I am not going to pretend that his death erases the way he lived.  Citing down other's humanities is disgraceful--he did not demonstrate loving one's neighbor.  

I'm sorry that you and I do not see eye to eye here, and I do not want to hurt you as a person because I think you are lovely.  I just feel that you and I have different perspectives and I cannot sit quietly and pretend that I ever agreed with the message being pushed by his particular agenda.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,  ~James 1:19 

 ~~~

ME: 
Hi! I love you!  And I promise that nothing will ever come between our friendship! :-)  

I'm absolutely not offended and I really appreciate our friendship so much.

It is fair and wonderful that we can publicly have our own opinions.  And we are blessed to live in a Nation that (so far) still allows this.  xoxoxo  

My foundation is not with Charlie Kirk, but it is with God and His Word, the Bible.  

I believe everything that God said, even the hard parts that culture wants to disagree with or change.  But I trust God and the Bible, above all else.  It's the foundation on which I base my life.  

I am the worst sinner that I know of...but every day I start fresh and read the Bible and try to serve God the best I can.  

God's rules and laws and plans and His desires for us are for our good (Jeremiah 29:11), and for the fullest life that we can live (John 10:10).  I want that (abundant/fulfilled) life, and my understanding of God and His Word is that I have to keep dying to myself and the world's truths...and keep re-grounding myself on what God says.  

It's so hard (for me).  But I know it is what (the Bible says) we are called to.  

...Thank you for loving me enough to be honest and I value you and where you are at.  I hope you can feel the same for me.

God loves you and He loves me (He loves everyone! xoxoxo), and I love you too!  xoxo (John  3:16)

  • For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~Jeremiah 29:11  
  • The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  ~John 10:10 
  • For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  ~John  3:16
~~~

FRIEND:
...I disagree with the sentiment of, "the hard parts that culture wants to change..." 

We do not have a true understanding of many things written in the Bible today. There have been so many rewrites, edits, translations, and full out different versions. Man has written and manipulated the text and man is flawed. I find it hypocritical to pick and choose aspects that are permitted to be altered while demonizing others.

I am sorry but this will never be an issue that I can be completely quiet or submissive on. If a person's beliefs (and actions) lead to the dehumanization of others - then those beliefs and actions are harmful - full stop. 

This is not a religious opinion, it is a moral one. It is not our place to force our personal opinions on others. We can have our opinions, we can share our opinions. (Just like we are here) If there are things that a person or group of people disagree with, free will allows that they do not have to do them. Claiming a tie to religion does not give any person the right to apply their will and belief upon others.

Lawmakers, and the politicians behind them, need to stop acting as though they are a direct link to God. Using our religion to threaten and manipulate misrepresents everything Christianity was built to impart. If choosing to allow others to live, love, and care for their families in a way that is different is not what God wants from us, then I am positive he will let me know at those pearly gates.

Sarah, I am so sorry but I feel too strongly to simply nod and stay silent. People I love are being hurt, my own rights are actively in jeopardy, and I am terrified for my children. I hope you can read my words with the earnest love, fear, and exhaustion that my heart is putting behind them. It took me a long time to respond because I had to work past the initial emotions, but I hope you can understand why I chose to reply rather than bow out in silence.

I will stop now. Thank you for permitting me this space. 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ (44) But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (45) that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (46) If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? (47) And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? (48) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.  ~Matthew 5:43-48  

~~~

ME:
Hi. 💛 ...my foundation remains on the Bible.

The 10 Commandments are still the 10 Commandments and what God (clearly) calls sin in the Bible still remains sinful, regardless of man's justifications of it.  And of course, ever since Adam and Eve, we have been justifying our sin.  And--As stated, I am the worst of these (sinners).  But God knows that and that's why He sent His Son Jesus to pay for our sins at the cross. Xoxo

He loves us! He loves you, _____. 💛 

We can agree to disagree, and I know that the reason we are friends is because we are more alike than different, and because God connected us for a reason. 

Maybe for this conversation.💛 Xoxo

I thank you for sharing and being open.  I know neither of our intentions is to hurt the other.  ...and I will reconfirm that my stance (for living daily life) is on the Bible and what God's word and truth say.

If you would ever want to chat or get coffee, I would love to.  Not to challenge anything you said, because that's not my concern or my heart.  But whenever I am challenged, I go back to the Bible and see what God says. 

The world says alot of things.  But in the end, (the Bible says) that we will be held accountable to the Lord, so even though I keep screwing up, I keep going back to His instruction Manuel (the Bible) to hear His voice above the din of all others. 

We can continue to talk about it (or not) but I don't want to lose you!

You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. (11) It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”  (12) So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.  (13) Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.  ~Romans 14:10-13

~~~

FRIEND:
Oh heck, you can't lose me! I was just kind of afraid to actually open my mouth... I tend to just keep things in. *Sometimes it can be hard to shut it again. Love you, Sarah!

~~~

ME:
Same here, and I hear everything you are saying...and we can chat and each share.  People seem so angry and divided about all of this, but I know that deep down we are all much more similar on our beliefs than different.  

Unfortunately I think there is more incentive to fan the flame of disconnect than connect.  But we just evidenced that connecting CAN happen and can be done healthily. Xoxo 

~~~

FRIEND: 
That is very true! I am so very weary of the hate... we need a new thing. I kind of miss the sourdough craze...

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  ~Ephesians 4:29 

~~~

Can we just talk?  How do we handle communication with someone that holds a different opinion than us? 

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  ~Proverbs 15:1    

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; (3) meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, (4) that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.  

(5) Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. (6) Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.  ~Colossians 4:2-6

~~~

We can connect--even when there is not (an apparent) connection.  
Let's invite God and His Word into our discussions and let Him lead us in His truth and love.


Blessings, 

Sarah 

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com

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