B8 OFTEN gets it ALL WRONG
"3:1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."
OK, so I have asked the Lord to help me to really be all the good things mentioned in this passage from Titus 3. I admit that I have not been careful to communicate in ways that are gentle, with perfect courtesy toward all, especially in communication with Wesley and Joe. Please accept my sincerest apologies, forgive me, pray for me and hold me accountable to a form of interaction that sincerely honors Christ. May I never speak evil of others or be quarrelsome. May my manner never be irritating or ugly. If my views are unpleasant to ponder, then may my manner and demeanor make reading them surprisingly pleasant.
On the other side of a new leaf here in this little corner of cyberspace, where theology as "blood sport" is strictly refused.
B8