On Bitterness -- RSQUBF Discussion Boards 2001 highlights

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Date Posted: 15:41:25 01/09/02 Wed
Author: multiple
Subject: On Bitterness
In reply to: rsqarchive 's message, "January 2001" on 10:32:30 01/09/02 Wed

Author: Tony
Subject: On Bitterness

Many people have commented on the amount of bitterness and anger present on this board, and on RSQUBF in general. So I just wanted to post a few thoughts on this issue because it is important.

To the observers who have pointed out the bitterness, lets try to be a little empathetic here and see deeply why these people are bitter. Whether or not UBF is truly a harmful environment we have to realize that these people's pain is real and valid. They have had a bad experience with the church or leadership and if we truly had compassion we would try to help them through their pain instead of blaming them for being imperfect. If you consider yourself a Christian try for a moment to put yourselves in their shoes, and then offer them a word of encouragement to help them. You know some people are very strong and can take many things in stride, while others are more sensitive and are hurt easily.

To the bitter ones. I know your pain and I know its real. It is truly frustrating to see the wounded go
unattended and to see injustices just ignored. But please do not make this board a venting board, but try to honestly share whats hurting. If you really want UBF to change you have to be very sensitive to the people who are still in UBF, and realize they still have a lot of loyalty and devotion to this organization. Many were brought to faith in this organization and have committed their lives to it, so if you just rail against UBF it will really hurt them. Maybe it is their fault that they have placed their devotion and pride in an institution instead of God, but if you want them to see things differently try to help them along the way.

In my opinion bitterness towards UBF is a natural occurrence, and a >little bit should be expected from a board like this. Because these people have had an overall bad experience with UBF how can anyone really expect them to just sing its praises and carefully point out its good aspects? But lets try to keep this board free from personal attacks and anger, lets make
this board a place of reform discussion AND healing!

Thanks for listening.

Author: Anon
Subject: Beyond Bitterness

"Since my people are crushed, I am crushed; I mourn, and horror grips me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?" Jeremiah 8.

Indeed, there has been much bitterness on all sides of the issues. I think it was necessary in order to work through it. There have been things happen that people should be bitter about. Acknowledging that is the first step to recovery.

Bitterness is part of sin. Sin and the power of death bring bitterness and sorrow. Yet these bring us to our Savior Jesus Christ. He is the one who bore all our bitterness, sorrow, and hurt and wounded feelings on the cross. We can bring our bitterness to him and Jesus will exchange it for the sweetness and joy of a life of faith. When Christ helps us through his cross to move beyond bitterness then we can have the spiritual perspective to serve those who hurt us out of Jesus' love.

Please don't stop at bitterness. Move on to Christ and the cross and
Jesus' love and Jesus' cross may be the basis for real Reformation.

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On Rumors -- multiple, 15:49:47 01/09/02 Wed