Melian, I appreciate your spirit, and your ready citation of Scriptures. We always need more scripture citations. But you're unbalanced. You've seemed to cherry pick those Scriptures that only meet with whatever filter you've established -- and rejected the rest -- which would inform your stance. Let me just cite two from the NT (I could go on all day citing OT "imperfect" prophets to underline the exact same point):
So, Melian, what do you do -- or what do you say -- about these words uttered by these imperfect people?
Stephen:
51"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it." 54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit... (Acts 7:51-55) [Of course, Stephen went on & got stoned for this...who are you, Melian, to rule out WHO is or isn't speaking under the direction of the Holy Spirit?]
Apostle Paul:
1You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? 4Have you suffered so much for nothing—if it really was for nothing? 5Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard? (Gal. 3:1-5)
“You’ve seemed to cherry pick those Scriptures that only meet with whatever filter you’ve established...”
Isn’t that what all quoters of scripture do? Doesn’t your pastor?
I say that as a Christian.
I’d say it’s fine to tell people they are wrong. Stephen is quoting the Old Testament in calling the Jews “stiff-necked” as God Himself did. Paul is calling them foolish and questioning them. That’s a far cry from the type of ridicule some “Christians” on this thread heap on others.
I have not cherry picked. See Matthew 25: 31-46 for what Christ Himself says about the value He places on our treatment of others. Whenever He speaks of judgment, He makes it clear that we must give others dignity and respect. I can find many, many passages to support my view. Read the parable of the Good Samaritan again. The Samaritans were misguided, but Christ still applauded the misguided Samaritan’s charity and was disgusted by the Pharisee who followed the Law to the letter and had such disdain for his misguided brother.
I repeat: judgment is reserved for God. I am repulsed by the arrogance, pride, and conceit evidenced by some of the responses on this thread. It’s all sound and fury signifying nothing. Who do you think is convinced of the error of their ways when they read the kind of “witness” they see here? I doubt the real goal is conversion or evangelization. I feel the goal of many is to simply spout their own beliefs and set themselves up as little Christs. In their own minds, they are the only ones who understand Scripture and they feel they are uniquely qualified to render judgment on others.
The Holy Spirit gives each of us unique gifts. Each of us is dear to God, even when we are wandering and lost. Our Shepherd awaits with LOVE, MERCY, and justice.