I respect your perspective. Sorry if I crossed such a line.
I actually consider it unChristian to AVOID WARNING a brother overtaken in a fault, as Scripture exhorts.
I consider our bodies at least a POTENTIAL temple of the Holy Spirit. . . . due a lot of respect and reverential care rather than glib, casual, addicted trashing.
I believe in free choice rather intensely.
But I hope folks would raise a loud furor if they caught me addicted to playing with rattle snakes in a playpen with my 4 year old [hypothetical].
I don't consider it loving or respectful to walk on by on the other side of the road when someone I care for is being self destructive--whether they realize it or not.
Truth is truth. Yes, it can be brutal when void of caring, of love. If I didn't care, I wouldn't bother. If I didn't care, I'd just rant without any thought or tone of caring.
I've worked hard to emphasize my hostility to THE SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR and not the individuals.
I've been assaulted by about every horrific name they can get away with hereon. But I'm the bad guy?
What am I missing, not understanding that you are?
This is their choice. They know that it isn't the popular choice, but they have the right to do what they want with their bodies. I am an ex smoker. I gave it up 5 years ago...I'm proud of my accomplishment, but refuse to cast stones at those who haven't made the same choice.
I'm sorry you have been attacked by others on the thread. They obviously feel the need to be defensive due to the continual attacks against them and their choice.
Do you believe you have any chance of converting someone by being on the offense. Could I win souls if I approached people, armed, and tried to force my views on them? This is along that same vein...you wont convert them...they have to want to quit, and the more they are attacked, the deeper they will dig in their heels.
"I actually consider it unChristian to AVOID WARNING a brother overtaken in a fault, as Scripture exhorts."
You and your attitude are precisely why I left the seminary and the church. I would prefer to let people be guided by God thru the Holy Spirit than to sit in human judgement. What makes your guidance more valuable than the Holy Spirit's?