The Standard of Love Online

[CalledOut238]

A year ago I had tried to post on AFF and it was a painful experience. It was my first experience posting on a board of this type. I found out quickly that I was not mature enough in handling aggressive responses. In turn my replies were just as toxic toward others and it affected my prayers terribly. I am truly sorry that I was not strong enough to reply with patience and love. I felt the Holy Ghost lead me to quit posting until I was mature enough to handle negative and caustic replies from posters. When I started posting again recently, I promised myself to be civil, patient and kind with my replies to negative comments. I have gotten better, but I still need more patience. Apostolicism focuses on standards to avoid worldly entertainment, apparel and appearance. There are merits with abiding by these teachings; but as the true children of our Heavenly Father, we should consider what Jesus taught on how we would be identified.

“John 13:34(KJV) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 (By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another).”

Our Savior provided us a way to address a brother who is found in a fault. Since we cannot go to the person physically we should private message that person. And point out their error personally instead of publicly humiliating them in front of others. If they do not receive your correction, then have additional follow ups with others writing some private messages. If the problem persists then you could discuss openly in the forum; but admonishing in love, explaining the consequences of their trespass.

“Mat 18:15 (KJV) Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee,( go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone): if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”

When posting; and responding to posts, we can be detached from reality that there is a visitor, backslider, brother or a sister online. Social media was created to communicate on a mass level. Words have power to motivate, encourage, provide solace, inspire, provide humor, demean, ridicule, mock, chastise and be extremely hurtful to the reader or hearer. Those who control the media know this power and uses it to divide and subdue the masses. But we should reject the evil rhetoric of the world system and repudiate evil communications. I pray every day for the unity of the faith. That we eradicate divisions among ourselves and have all things in common as the church. I can remember a minister laugh at me and say, “Good Luck with That!” But my faith says all things are possible. What is impossible for the world is possible for the called out children of our Heavenly Father.

“James 4:11 (KJV) (Speak not evil one of another, brethren). He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?”

“Mark 9:23 (KJV) Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

In my personal life I have identified my pride as my biggest enemy. When I am in the public, I remind myself that a prideful look the Lord doth hate. The reason I became toxic with my replies to aggressive comments was my pride. Jesus has really helped me in my pursuit to be humble, meek and to have contrite spirit, but I realize that I must guard my heart. I am saying this because I must apply this to my life while posting on AFF.

James 5:16 (KJV) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

“1 John 4:20 (KJV) If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”

My hope is when posting or replying we can rise above the discord of the world. To love each other in making a difference with our posts and replies. I believe this board was started to give saints an outlet to fellowship outside their congregations, but also to positively impact visitors who are examining our lives. Our Love for each other will distinguish us from the world around us. I appreciate all those on this board who have reflected patience towards me, and I hope to do the same for each of you.

“Romans 5:5 (KJV) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Selah