what does your safe society look like? please square it for me with the bible.
Your position is solid, and has merit, for sure.
The same people the rest of us can forgive, those people we hold something against. See the OP for examples.
Yes, absolutely.
Not sure I understand your question. The point of the thread is that if we want to create a safe society, we begin by forgiving one another rather than holding something against people. I focused in a little on gun owners because gun owners are people who are generally concerned about the safety of society and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure the safety of themselves and others. Gun owners of all faiths can lead society in the effort of promoting safety by encouraging forgiveness, changing the climate of resentment.
forgiveness is act releasing feelings of resentment to someone who has harmed you.
Well, we can begin with what Jesus calls the “kingdom” which is “on Earth as it is in Heaven”. Jesus does not use the parable of the weeds to discourage people from building the Kingdom, right? No, He encouraged people to forgive one another, to love one another, to have mercy.
Here is what Jesus said that guides our forgiveness:
If you do not hold something against anyone, that call to forgive does not apply to you. But still, if you hear someone else spouting off about a person or group of people, you have the opportunity to step in and say something!
if people were encouraged to believe in Jesus they may not have murdered anyone either and would reap the reward of an eternity in heaven.
There is something to be said, though, for taking a wise approach. For example, apparently the fellow down in Texas that murdered those people in a church was an atheist (former Christian, I think). Asking him to “believe in Jesus” when he expressed some animosity would have not likely helped.
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Rwanda genocide?
That’s fine; I agree. But this is not in lieu of proper safety protocols and plans.
Yes, good point. Notice I said “to the degree we have”. We being the U.S., that is. But in nations without guns, they too would have a safer society if forgiveness was always encouraged.
Thank you, I agree.
Societies would be much safer if there were no cars or alcohol or trans fats. Instead of banning these, individuals should be responsible with what they do have and everyone can live happily ever after.
What would compel you to present such an argument? You did not even address my point. What would you say to an individual who stopped a home intruder or a robber on the street? You go ahead and make an “Why don’t I just own a nuclear bomb” argument? Or do you say, “you used a firearm responsibily and I won’t take it away from you”?
those who persecute will be persecuted. those who use the sword wrong will die by it.
Very good points.
I was not making an anti-gun statement, but a pro-forgiveness statement. I was responding to the statement about mass-murders in Rwanda, which took place without guns.
I’m all for fostering forgiveness and creating a peaceful and loving society.
Is this a call from you for Governments to disarm themselves?
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www.gunowners.org
Hi Folks. Remember, the reason why I even mentioned gun owners is because gun owners are especially concerned, actively so, about the safety of our society.He who lives by the sword dies by the sword
Cathoholic:
(Rev 13)
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Absolutely.
So tell me, how does one go about forgiving the government? (which is basically a group of people)
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