Ministry to the Fallen

[Esther]

Originally Posted by Ron

Bro, I too am bothered by people who once knew the Lord but have backslid.
I always have an open door policy & if I am meeting with them somewhere and they chain smoke I don't mind.

I agree with others & would add this that an old prophet warned me about many years ago.

Don't mistake sympathy for compassion.

Interesting.

[tstew]

Originally Posted by Ron

Bro, I too am bothered by people who once knew the Lord but have backslid.
I always have an open door policy & if I am meeting with them somewhere and they chain smoke I don't mind.

I agree with others & would add this that an old prophet warned me about many years ago.

Don't mistake sympathy for compassion.

I've always believed that compassion was "there, but for the grace of God, go I".

[Ron]

Originally Posted by Esther

Interesting.

Originally Posted by tstew

I've always believed that compassion was "there, but for the grace of God, go I".

Sympathy will cause one to get down into the gutter with them.
Compassion will see the need for restoration and help them get back out of thier situation.

[OnenessWoman]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

So... my question...if you felt led to begin a ministry of trying to reclaim fallen brothers and sisters in the Lord, what would be your approach? How would you reach out to them? Condemnation? Shame? Love? Compassion? Would you have remained in the situation I mentioned a minute ago, or would you have told "George" that you didn't want him to drink (or smoke) while you were there?

I'm asking because I have a real desire to reach out to my fallen brothers... and I'm considering doing some writing about ministering to the backslidden. Already got the title..."Just beyond that wall". You input is appreciated.

The Bible says to "have compassion, making a difference". I see no other real route.

I would NOT have told them to stop drinking or smoking in my presence. They need to know they are loved as they are, despite the state they know they are in. It would only make a person appear religiously uppity to demand them to no do as they would. If they are not going to, let them be the one to decide. Besides, if you are in their house, then it is RUDE to demand someone not smoke or drink in their own house.