Examine Yourselves: Forgiveness or the Repercussions of Unforgiveness

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by Freedom

So it would seem that you just keep forgiving, and that is what the Bible teaches, but that can also open the door to being taken advantage of, or even worse, abusive behavior. So where do you draw the line? I've seen LC saints who would get "offended", leave the LC for a little while, then after a bit of time, they're back in the system, ready to be wronged again. It's a cycle that can repeat itself unless one stands up to it. I almost feel like the LC depends on saints to "forgive and forget" (without making a stand) whenever these types of situations come up.

This is where other verses in the Bible provide balance, e.g. Matthew 18. First go to your brother, if that fails take another with you, then include others in the church. This also serves to vet out frivolous complaints, since others can provide feedback to the offended party. Even more important, this shines a light on abusive behavior since the experience of others can support your claim.

This has nothing to do with having "opinions," or being "rebellious," or other LC accusations designed to keep their people under subjection. Those leaders who love their power more than they love God or their people, will always attempt to use O.T. examples like the "Moses model," claiming leprosy will strike even ones like Meriam for opening her mouth.

I can't say it enough but Moses was never an example of any N.T. minister, apostle, or leader. Moses was only a type of Christ. (Hebrews 3)