After only a few minutes back on Facebook, I caused my wife to lose a friend today! But this wasn’t my usual hijacking shenanigans. She asked me to read a post which had bothered her and read some comments.
Check out this thread and tell me what you think? How many problems can you spot?
You can view the previous comments here. I am just highlighting the stunning conclusion.
It should be noted that “Rachael” jumped in unprompted in order to quote my wife: “But, I believe that warning people of eternal punishment is the most loving thing they can do.” and contradict her. Then you will see she professes to avoid religious debate and to unconditionally love…finally she unfriended my wife on Facebook.
You tell me…is there anything wrong with this picture?
What a husband, driving away your wife’s friends! 😉
It’s a hard stance to take, but one necessary even on social media: a stand for truth, with wise and caring speech, yet regardless of the consequences. This includes bearing with grace the fact that ‘unfriend’ or ‘unfollow’ will become a necessary reality (though hopefully rare). I’m reminded of the time Jesus fed the crowds in John 6. Their bellies were filled, but for many that’s all they desired (v.26). When Jesus afterwards taught many difficult things (v.60), many ‘unfollowed’ Him:
After this many of his disciples quit following him and did not accompany him any longer. (Joh 6:66, NET).
Jesus wasn’t surprised by this and neither should we be, since we bear an unpopular, countercultural message.
As to the conversation: sure, there are some problems with their answers. But one sticks out to me, a thread common to both “E” and “Rachael”, that of [unconditional] love. This is held up by many as a shield to deflect any correction of their testimony to others. But it’s an empty concept: love and forgiveness as I define them, not necessarily modeled after Scripture. Of course Christians are to love others, but how? For one, by fulfilling his commandment of making disciples. There is no more loving message than that of the Gospel. Yet the Gospel isn’t appreciated until one is made aware of their need for it. Enter the Law, which exposes sin and prepares the soil for the Good News. Your wife’s doctor/cancer analogy was right on point.
I think this Todd Friel clip sums it up well. This cut me to the core, since I recognized myself — I thought the exact same way as this woman before God rescued me. I was a false convert, and though I’m not claiming she is, it’s the same kind of emotional appeal devoid of truth which I supported in refusing to obey the Great Commission.
HSAT, I’m sensitive to those who are genuine believers and just ignorant of the importance of this truth. I have much room to grow, and desire to exhibit grace and patience with those who are weak in this area. I think this FB conversation was a good start.
She is in survival mode. She will not risk alienating people so she has to take the stance that she has in order to keep her current status in our society. She can’t afford to tolerate biblical truth because the only accepted belief system in our society today is that biblical Christianity is wrong, at best, and evil at worst. She does not want to be labeled as hateful or narrow-minded so she has to keep within the accepted parameters set by our society. People are no longer free to think for themselves. They are being told by the mass media, the govt and the education system what the acceptable beliefs are, even the acceptable thoughts, and they cannot deviate from them or else they risk loss.
She is no different from TD Jakes and Joel Osteen and Rick warren. All claim to be Christians but they cannot afford to speak biblical truth (if they even know any) because to do so would mean a loss of followers, loss of the fame they have garnered, loss of acceptance and a huge loss of income.