Things Better Left Said, Part 2

[You gotta love this guy's humility. He could definitely teach me a thing or two about that.]

Dear Wendy,
Somewhere, deep in the recesses of my mind, I was afraid that you'd label me a reprobate and not even respond. I know it's silly but there was a fear there.

I'll probably spend a lot of time reading and rereading your response. There's a lot of wisdom in there and I appreciate the fact that what you say has come from your experience and commitment in prayer and reading the Word with an open heart, seeking answers.

That will also be a good start for me to alleviate my Pharisee personna. You can use my email in the blog. I'm sure it will bring about a few comments and perhaps it'll help you end your month with a bang.

As for carrying on the coversation, I'm at a loss for words. I see my error, know where to start with fixing it, but until I get the opportunity to pass the test again, I really don't know how I'll do. I've learned that whether it is intentional or not, I am always judging people. I'm really not a bad guy or a mean spirited Christian. Most anyone will tell you that I'm very loving, compassionate, and merciful.

I often answer questions that come in on our church website about all sorts of dilemmas. I always copy them to my pastor and bishop. Once, Bishop XXX wrote me back and said that my gift in writing was that he'd never seen me once fail to proclaim truth in the most compassionate, loving, and non-judgmental way. He said that while I showed people the right way, there was never an ounce of condemnation in my tone if they were in the wrong.

But that's what I come off as. That's what I want people to see because deep down, I know that's what Jesus would be but the real war looms in my mind. I guess it just bothers me that I can't just love people and let it stop at that. I have to judge them. I can't stop it - I've really tried.

I have an aunt who has been a faithful Church of God member all her life. She's never touched her hair with a pair of scissors, her standards put us to shame, her life puts me to shame. She is a constant rock of faith, prayer, and loving God and people. I know she has the Holy Ghost as I've heard her speak in tongues, but she has not received a revelation of the oneness of God. I mean, she is really sincere.

But now she has cancer and it torments me wondering "Will she go to hell if she dies before getting baptized in Jesus' Name?"Now, there's a part of my thinking that is good here. I don't want her to be lost and I have shared my beliefs with her but she doesn't agree. Is it ok for me to simply relax my fears and say "God will judge, He knows best." Or should I really be actively telling her "NO, Acts 4:12 says there is NO other name. . "

This is another part of my dilemma. When do I cross the threshold of caring vs. judging? For the time being, I have come to the conclusion that I have done all I can do, and I should not speculate, but leave it in God's hands. That doesn't mean, however, that I won't go through the same process the next time I encounter a similar situation. I just want to know where the line is.

Ok, I never meant to write that much. But feel free to use me in your blog. ;)

Soooo . . .
What advice would YOU give to this Anonymous Guy?

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!