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Post by lol on Apr 22, 2006 19:12:51 GMT -5
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Post by Greg Lee unplugged on Apr 22, 2006 19:17:32 GMT -5
NB (nathan7) will have to revise his do not copy request to include "do not make links to this site on other sites without permission".
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Post by withopeneyes (Mandy) on Apr 22, 2006 19:27:02 GMT -5
I'll admit, I do feel a lot of hostility from (some) ex's towards professing folks like myself. I understand the emotions and whatnot many of you have experienced, and I am disappointed that others were so... spiritually negligent with you. I hope you are all able to come across some of the amazing professing folks I have... so you will no longer label all of us as ignorant.
I know that I've come across alot of ex's that have changed my opinion and view of things.
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davinci
Junior Member
love everybody:)
Posts: 130
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Post by davinci on Apr 22, 2006 19:36:55 GMT -5
how much have you forgiven in your life? (rhetorical ?) i think it is hard to forgive and that it is a rubber band effect you pull away and when it breaks you swing the complete other direction but you can eventualy swing back to the middle at least that was how it was for me
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Post by withopeneyes (Mandy) on Apr 22, 2006 19:43:55 GMT -5
Only this past year have I come the point where I've been able to let go, truly forgive, the way some people treated me (who should have been loving, caring, supportive, and encouraging). Letting it go was a bigger relief and sense of freedom to me... than it was to the people I forgave.
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Post by firstborn on Apr 22, 2006 21:15:55 GMT -5
I'll admit, I do feel a lot of hostility from ex's towards professing folks like myself. I understand the emotions and whatnot many of you have experienced, and I am disappointed that others were so... spiritually negligent with you. I hope you are all able to come across some of the amazing professing folks I have... so you will no longer label all of us as ignorant. I know that I've come across alot of ex's that have changed my opinion and view of things. Ya might want to say some ex's, I still love ya. I wish all that were in the fellowship had your Revelation of truth, but that's simply not the case. |
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Post by withopeneyes (Mandy) on Apr 22, 2006 21:27:35 GMT -5
Duly noted (and edited)
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jungo
Junior Member
Posts: 141
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Post by jungo on Apr 23, 2006 0:02:00 GMT -5
I can esteem a lot of profesing people, There are very spiritual people there. Very dependable and reliable. Many cared for me while I was there. If I saw some of the ones I knew I would probly admire or respect them in a lot of ways. I dont realy care to be a part of the fellowship because it doesn't work for me.
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Post by hi5 on Apr 23, 2006 12:03:55 GMT -5
I agree. You won't find a more honest, loyal and upstanding group on the earth. That is why some ignore the legalism and exclusivism present in the group. They are such wonderful people so they must be the only true Christians! Not understanding that God works in other people besides those professing. It really makes you feel better to see the wonderful work of God in other's lives.
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Post by do on Apr 23, 2006 16:32:45 GMT -5
I agree. You won't find a more honest, loyal and upstanding group on the earth. That is why some ignore the legalism and exclusivism present in the group. They are such wonderful people so they must be the only true Christians! Not understanding that God works in other people besides those professing. It really makes you feel better to see the wonderful work of God in other's lives. do you believe like this from a non professing christian [The workers are a bunch of prudish, blind, arrogant, pretentious, unholy, unchristian evildoers.] |
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Post by Simple on Apr 23, 2006 17:34:37 GMT -5
I agree. You won't find a more honest, loyal and upstanding group on the earth. That is why some ignore the legalism and exclusivism present in the group. They are such wonderful people so they must be the only true Christians! Not understanding that God works in other people besides those professing. It really makes you feel better to see the wonderful work of God in other's lives. The 2x2's are a slice of humanity Fully benefiting from True Christianity Their service is faithless They isolate from those who need Jesus They hide in the dark, and exalt themselves They love to pity others They ignore the old and needy They love to go to meaningless, meeting after meeting They are dependant on the workers They are a sad face, spiritually speaking  |
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Post by Gene on Apr 23, 2006 17:40:38 GMT -5
Hi5 wrote:
Simple wrote:
Wow. That certainly wasn't my experience with them for the 36 years I was with them! I'm sure all the points could perhaps be argued, but to pick just one: ignoring the old and needy?! I often consider myself so fortunate to have enjoyed being around LOTS of old people in the church throughout my youth and young adulthood -- and yes, the worker years too. And in general, I experienced great love, respect, and care for the old folks among us. I treasure those memories, and regret that as I grow old I will not have that -- at least not from that group of people.
oh well.....
gn
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Post by Simple on Apr 23, 2006 17:52:19 GMT -5
Hi5 wrote: Simple wrote: Wow. That certainly wasn't my experience with them for the 36 years I was with them! I'm sure all the points could perhaps be argued, but to pick just one: ignoring the old and needy?! I often consider myself so fortunate to have enjoyed being around LOTS of old people in the church throughout my youth and young adulthood -- and yes, the worker years too. And in general, I experienced great love, respect, and care for the old folks among us. I treasure those memories, and regret that as I grow old I will not have that -- at least not from that group of people. oh well..... gn My point.....................God is not impressed, and we are wasting our time being impressed. Biased and selfish humans are nothing new. Another point............Thank God for Jesus  |
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liz
Senior Member
Posts: 285
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Post by liz on Apr 23, 2006 21:08:29 GMT -5
Withopeneyes:
I have come across some amazing professing friends who embrace me, even though I'm an ex, and who I consider my good friends. You come across as one of the amazing ones and I'd love to meet you as well as John, the author of the long post.
You know the old saying, 'don't judge a person until you've walked a mile in his shoes'? It's easy for John, and anyone else for that matter, to read about the anger, frustration, depression, etc. that many ex 2x2's express (& reveal on the TMB) & wonder why we can't simply get over it and get on with our lives. This type of anger 'concerns' John.
All I can say is that some folks went through their own personal HELL while in the 2x2 way. Perhaps if one could objectively sift through group psychology, personality conflicts, & normal day to day human conflict, one would be less inclined to place 100% blame involving their hurts and scars on the workers or friends. But when one is deep in the middle of conflict, it's hard to be objective.
With maturity and hindsight, I've come to realize that one of my 'afflictors' within the 2x2 way has significant mental health issues. She would be just as destructive if she were a girl scout, a member of a bunco group, or a 2x2! I do believe the exclusivity of the 2x2's exacerbated the situation. (BTW, I'm reading more & more how modern friends are less likely to believe the 2x2 way is the ONLY way to God - how encouraging!)
In conclusion, I feel compassion & empathy need to be applied to any ex 2x2's who come across as angry & bitter. With time & lots of self love, this anger & bitterness will go away. They don't need our judgementl, just our understanding.
Liz
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