Loosing to gain

[Quaesitor]

I've had a few conversations with my dad over the week about UR.

It was really difficult because I think the father-son relationship blocks the true relation in Christ that we should be having, because he cannot accept to learn from his son (or so it seems) and he feels it insulting that I reject what he has taught me as a child. :sigh:

He's a pastor and he lives in a city 8 hours away from mine and goes to a church within the denomination I was part.
So he heard all the "dangerous this" dangerous that" going on about me and the gospel I herald.
He was nearly crying, in fact he did cry, telling me that I had destroyed my reputation among the church and that my constant heralding had destroyed my credibitlity.
He will not understand that loosing my reputation over "lies" (because that's what they are) is part of the way of Christ, it's part of the cross and I'm happy to be counted worthy of loosing all for the Gopel of Jesus Christ.

The difficult part is that he asks me to stop talking about it on facebook, he said that many are hurt because of my words (I don't understand why), I'm hesitating, I do not want to hurt anyone or be a burden for those who love me back in that city.

Aaaw when the persecutions come, it's enough to make us doubt.

Keep me in prayers family, please!

Gabriel

[PaoloNuevo]

That's good Quaesitor!!

Well you wouldn't want to be tactless with them but do NOT halt just because you are offending them... don't shut them out but better yet, try to avoid them as to not provoke them...

I wouldn't judge those people for being evil, because we who judge will be condemned for doing the same things (Romans 2).
However, I will say that they truly lack the Spirit of Love and knowing Who Love is (1 John 4: 8), they probably have the same vindictive spirit that wants to see all others condemned, while they get off scot-free. (Sometimes we do have that spirit too, towards our enemies!)... And while we know that God will redeem them,

Paul said you will suffer reproach for preaching that Jesus Christ is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe. (1 Tim. 4: 9 - 11)

Paul and all the apostles suffered reproach because they taught that salvation extended to the Gentiles. But I suppose you are being persecuted now because you are teaching the Truth about Jesus Christ that His salvation will eventually be granted to all the Father has given to Him, and the Father has given all things into His hand. (John 17: 2)

If you are independent from your father, then try to be on speaking terms but try not to insist on this anymore but DON'T compromise your views... Keep at it! But try only to those who will listen!

Jesus even said if a town doesn't listen to you, shake off the dust from the roads off your feet. Do the same. But keep on sharing the good news.

And rejoice and know that your reward in heaven is great.

Remember, God intends to justify and make righteous all and every single person who has been condemned in Adam. (Rom. 5: 18 - 19).

Just keep moving onward, and spreading the Love of God that is in Jesus Christ.  :thumbsup:

[Quaesitor]

Thank you brother,

Yes, I will not shut up, but I'll weight what I say with even more wisdom, trying to speak in love only.
But as I said, I think it's already too late and those who will not hear what I say will not hear.

[PaoloNuevo]

You're welcome!  :thumbsup:

Then Jesus Himself will judge your friends and church folk and lead them to repentance in due time...  :thumbsup:

Meanwhile, try not to get too caught up with them ... and invest time with those who are open to the fact that God loves all mankind (and seeing the end from the beginning, loves Satan and his fallen angels too).

Pray. Ask God to give you acquaintance with these kinds of people so you can build each other up.

My parents are Catholic and they have a different spirit from those persecuting believers of the Victorious Gospel... They think its essential to do all the Romish rituals rather than believe in salvation through Jesus Christ alone, but I'm being patient with them and if they don't respond to the true Jesus, then I know they will in the age to come...  :bigGrin:

You don't have to remove them from your circle, but I suppose you can ignore them for now (but don't shut them out)... I'm sure your church folk are decent people and they might be a little less contentious than the "people of the world"... But don't force things!

I suppose its more about adding to your circle of friends and brethren. So add to your circle...  :bigGrin:

[Quaesitor]

But it's still hard, hearing how my dad's deceived by religion.
To him, it's my fault that my reputation is being slandered by those who call themselves my brothers and sisters. It's my fault because I should have shut my mouth, live it for myself and keep it there.
He said it's my fault that relationship is broken with these people, but he's blind to the love I have for them, it's them who have erected a wall between us.
It's hard to hear that sort of words coming from one you love dearly, to your blood, but now I see what this is all about, once again, flesh fighting the spirit, lies fighting agaisnt truth.
But I forgive them, even as the Father forgives them, because they don't know that they hurt me and they are so blind to it that they even accuse me of hurting them... :sigh:

[PaoloNuevo]

But it's still hard, hearing how my dad's deceived by religion.
To him, it's my fault that my reputation is being slandered by those who call themselves my brothers and sisters. It's my fault because I should have shut my mouth, live it for myself and keep it there.
He said it's my fault that relationship is broken with these people, but he's blind to the love I have for them, it's them who have erected a wall between us.
It's hard to hear that sort of words coming from one you love dearly, to your blood, but now I see what this is all about, once again, flesh fighting the spirit, lies fighting agaisnt truth.
But I forgive them, even as the Father forgives them, because they don't know that they hurt me and they are so blind to it that they even accuse me of hurting them... :sigh:

Well, now you just had the opportunity to display Christ-likeness.. Persecuted by those from your home town, and forgiving them.  :winkgrin:

I know you're hurt... but don't be disheartened.

For this we labor and suffer reproach, for our hope is in the living God who is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe... these things command and teach.

[pollypinks]

Interesting thread.  I feel for your relationship torn with your father, and understand it since, my 88 yr. old father is LDS.  But we choose not to argue, or change each other's minds.  When you reach a point where you need not change the minds of your parents, things calm down.  After all, the peace of universalism is for all, whether here, or there.  I look forward to seeing my many relatives when I pass.

[PaoloNuevo]

I look forward to seeing my many relatives when I pass.

Me too!

In and through Christ, we will!  :thumbsup: