Measured thoughts
So, I am an idiot, but I knew that already. I just don't like having witnesses. *wince*
Note to self: Don't blog when feeling angry.
It wasn't till I saw the comments on my last post that I realised exactly what I'd done. k3 and Wahlau's comments in particular chastened me and caused me to feel guilty. Of course, I stubbornly tried to ignore the feeling.
While I thank Messy Christian and Mac Swift, who both defended my right to say anything I want on my own blog, I must say I've never subscribed to that particular idea. Jesus said we'll be held accountable for every careless word we speak -- and I see no reason to confine this warning to spoken words alone. As long as my words are out there in public, I'm responsible for whatever I say.
Still, I didn't allow my conscience to be too bothered, even when I realised that writing about an offence is no way to settle a dispute between Christians. (For anyone who wants to know: Kevin's "unrequested pastoral advice" is the Biblical way to handle such a situation: Matthew 18:15-17.)
Then late tonight, one of my church cell group members sent me a text message on my mobile phone. First she apologised to me on behalf of the newsletter editorial team (I'd had no idea she might even be on the team), and then she gently said, "But if you ask me, I think you should have spoken to the writer or someone in church about this before blogging it for the whole world to see." Gulp.
Darn. Couldn't ignore the issue any more.
Isn't it interesting how God will just keep hammering away until one finally listens? And to think that before church service yesterday morning, I'd prayed for "eyes to see, ears to hear and a mind to understand..." *rolls eyes*
So then I had two things to deal with: 1) What to do about the wrong & unwise post, and 2) What to do about the original issue. This is my response to 1).
I'm still working on my response to 2), largely coz I'm still struggling with forgiveness. Yes, that's a thorny thing, isn't it? I was washing dishes in the kitchen on Saturday evening when God said to me, "You have to forgive him, you know," and I confess I whined, "Do I really have to?!". Sigh.
Still got lots of growing up to do, and lots of wisdom to acquire...
UPDATE (June 2): As the issue has now been resolved and he has apologised, this post's comments are now closed.