“Continue Putting Up with One Another and Forgiving One Another Freely”

[Ms_ladyblue]

One of our forum members, Watchful, posted a beautiful thread today, What Will Love Look Like? Hardly anyone had anything to post in response. Now I’m not one to come here to counsel anyone but Jehovah does give us guidelines on how we should show love…and more importantly what love is.
Another forum member said to me in his response to the thread, “And a Forum article is entitled , “What will love look like ? It should look the same in the future , as it should also look now.”

He’s right, if we don’t practice genuine love now I don’t think that Jehovah is going to magically change us. Do you? I bring this up in response to all the negative talk that’s been taking place on here lately. Yes, I know that I’m not perfect and from time to time I get my feathers ruffled but I never want to ever humiliate or demean someone because they may have a different opinion or idea. It doesn’t mean I agree.

The Bible speaks of how to treat others as well as how we should take or respond to someone if they offend us…doesn’t it? If Jehovah gives us this wise counsel in his word shouldn’t we put it into practice? I’m not saying no one here does but the negative talk is concerning.
Many fine brothers and sisters have been either kicked off or left the forum…very hurt. I contacted a few of them to let them know that I supported them.

We don’t want to let Satan cause divisions here on the forum. Don’t allow others to kill your joy for Jehovah…who’s all about peace. Let them say what they want. You don’t have to push the ignore button…Just IGNORE them. I’ve suffered many adversities being in the organization and with family. I guess I’ve become immune to it although those who I’m very close to mean a lot to me and it would hurt for them to treat me in a negative way. My circumstances have been that you friends and some dear close ones on here is all I have. Satan loves causing all this upheaval, don’t let him win.

I hope the others will come back and that Robert will reinstate ones he let go. We’re all imperfect living during a stressful time. We need to pray to Jehovah for strength. While many of us are well versed in prophecy, which I really appreciate, we also need reminders that Jehovah gives us in his word about showing love.

Here are some of those reminders.

“By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.” John 13:35
“Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. 14 But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.” Colossians 3:13,14
“The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, And it is beauty on his part to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
“Do not owe anything to anyone except to love one another; for whoever loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
“Now, however, these three remain: faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13


If anyone would like to share their thoughts or other scriptures pertaining to this topic I’d love to hear from you. Remember friends I do appreciate you all and the love from those that have shown me in many ways. Let’s be a force for one another with Jehovah’s help.
I also want to thank the forum member sister who encouraged me to share this. Love to you all.

 

[Melinda Riling]

One of our forum members, Watchful, posted a beautiful thread today, What Will Love Look Like? Hardly anyone had anything to post in response. Now I’m not one to come here to counsel anyone but Jehovah does give us guidelines on how we should show love…and more importantly what love is.
Another forum member said to me in his response to the thread, “And a Forum article is entitled , “What will love look like ? It should look the same in the future , as it should also look now.”

He’s right, if we don’t practice genuine love now I don’t think that Jehovah is going to magically change us. Do you? I bring this up in response to all the negative talk that’s been taking place on here lately. Yes, I know that I’m not perfect and from time to time I get my feathers ruffled but I never want to ever humiliate or demean someone because they may have a different opinion or idea. It doesn’t mean I agree.

The Bible speaks of how to treat others as well as how we should take or respond to someone if they offend us…doesn’t it? If Jehovah gives us this wise counsel in his word shouldn’t we put it into practice? I’m not saying no one here does but the negative talk is concerning.
Many fine brothers and sisters have been either kicked off or left the forum…very hurt. I contacted a few of them to let them know that I supported them.

We don’t want to let Satan cause divisions here on the forum. Don’t allow others to kill your joy for Jehovah…who’s all about peace. Let them say what they want. You don’t have to push the ignore button…Just IGNORE them. I’ve suffered many adversities being in the organization and with family. I guess I’ve become immune to it although those who I’m very close to mean a lot to me and it would hurt for them to treat me in a negative way. My circumstances have been that you friends and some dear close ones on here is all I have. Satan loves causing all this upheaval, don’t let him win.

I hope the others will come back and that Robert will reinstate ones he let go. We’re all imperfect living during a stressful time. We need to pray to Jehovah for strength. While many of us are well versed in prophecy, which I really appreciate, we also need reminders that Jehovah gives us in his word about showing love.

Here are some of those reminders.

“By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.” John 13:35
“Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. 14 But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.” Colossians 3:13,14
“The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, And it is beauty on his part to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
“Do not owe anything to anyone except to love one another; for whoever loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
“Now, however, these three remain: faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13


If anyone would like to share their thoughts or other scriptures pertaining to this topic I’d love to hear from you. Remember friends I do appreciate you all and the love from those that have shown me in many ways. Let’s be a force for one another with Jehovah’s help.
I also want to thank the forum member sister who encouraged me to share this. Love to you all.

Thank you so much! This post really touched me! So much of what you said is exactly the way I have felt recently, you worded it so perfect. I know for myself this forum is where I come everyday to be in the company of people who know and love Jehovah. For me this is the only place I can go. I do love and cherish everyone who is here.

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

Thank you so much! This post really touched me! So much of what you said is exactly the way I have felt recently, you worded it so perfect. I know for myself this forum is where I come everyday to be in the company of people who know and love Jehovah. For me this is the only place I can go. I do love and cherish everyone who is here.

We don’t want to let Satan cause divisions here on the forum. Don’t allow others to kill your joy for Jehovah…who’s all about peace........Let’s be a force for one another with Jehovah’s help.

We are definitely missing many of the ones that are no longer here. Friendships and attachments have developed during the last year. What we didn't realize is those friends can vanish.....One day they're here but, sadly, the next day they could be gone. It's not something we expected and we've found it extremely disheartening. So, we appreciate your expressions and want to do our part in helping to create a positive, respectful environment where all of us can thrive spiritually and grow in our love for Jehovah and each other. We, too, have come to care deeply about each of you.

 

[Seadog]

We are definitely missing many of the ones that are no longer here. Friendships and attachments have developed during the last year. What we didn't realize is those friends can vanish.....One day they're here but, sadly, the next day they could be gone. It's not something we expected and we've found it extremely disheartening. So, we appreciate your expressions and want to do our part in helping to create a positive, respectful environment where all of us can thrive spiritually and grow in our love for Jehovah and each other. We, too, have come to care deeply about each of you.

For myself I particularly miss Paul H. His art work blew me away and he had genuine care for the Brothers and sisters.
His work ethic was amazing particularly in advancing the European interests. Im sure many of us would be really happy to see him return

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

We are definitely missing many of the ones that are no longer here. Friendships and attachments have developed during the last year. What we didn't realize is those friends can vanish.....One day they're here but, sadly, the next day they could be gone. It's not something we expected and we've found it extremely disheartening. So, we appreciate your expressions and want to do our part in helping to create a positive, respectful environment where all of us can thrive spiritually and grow in our love for Jehovah and each other. We, too, have come to care deeply about each of you.

Thank you Jerry & Phyllis. I appreciate your loving expressions very much. One night after a former forum member was booted off I called her…in New Zealand! We had been communicating via personal message but I really wanted to actually talk to her. We talked four hours! We’ve also emailed a few times as well.
Our love for Jehovah is what holds us together despite whatever else may be said. Just think, if we were living in Jesus’s day, with all the negative talk about him how would we have felt? Intimidated or supportive of him?
Thank you both for being here and a wonderful support for us too. I care deeply for you both as well.

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

For myself I particularly miss Paul H. His art work blew me away and he had genuine care for the Brothers and sisters.
His work ethic was amazing particularly in advancing the European interests. Im sure many of us would be really happy to see him return

Yes, and Carl. We miss them both. Always looked forward to Carl's comments and Paul's AI images.

 

[Serenity]

Yes, and Carl. We miss them both. Always looked forward to Carl's comments and Paul's AI images.

For myself I particularly miss Paul H. His art work blew me away and he had genuine care for the Brothers and sisters.
His work ethic was amazing particularly in advancing the European interests. Im sure many of us would be really happy to see him return

I understand that Carl will be back. What happened to Paul H.? I haven't seen Goldie lately, I don't believe either.

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

I understand that Carl will be back. What happened to Paul H.? I haven't seen Goldie lately, I don't believe either.

Goldie told me that she’s not coming back. Such a sad loss.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

We are definitely missing many of the ones that are no longer here. Friendships and attachments have developed during the last year. What we didn't realize is those friends can vanish.....One day they're here but, sadly, the next day they could be gone. It's not something we expected and we've found it extremely disheartening. So, we appreciate your expressions and want to do our part in helping to create a positive, respectful environment where all of us can thrive spiritually and grow in our love for Jehovah and each other. We, too, have come to care deeply about each of you.

The way I see it is I've been treated so badly over the years by many bullies in Jah's org that it's pretty much a welcome relief in this group because it seems that statistically there's a lot less of the rotten ones here, probably because they're not so much "rotten" as "seriously injured" by the rotten ones in Jah's org. I cope a lot better with injured people than I do with nasty people

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

Thank you so much! This post really touched me! So much of what you said is exactly the way I have felt recently, you worded it so perfect. I know for myself this forum is where I come everyday to be in the company of people who know and love Jehovah. For me this is the only place I can go. I do love and cherish everyone who is here.

Is your hubby a witness Melinda? Do you have any family at all who are witnesses?

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

The way I see it is I've been treated so badly over the years by many bullies in Jah's org that it's pretty much a welcome relief in this group because it seems that statistically there's a lot less of the rotten ones here, probably because they're not so much "rotten" as "seriously injured" by the rotten ones in Jah's org. I cope a lot better with injured people than I do with nasty people

That’s a positive way to look at it.

 

[Antoon]

The way I see it is I've been treated so badly over the years by many bullies in Jah's org that it's pretty much a welcome relief in this group because it seems that statistically there's a lot less of the rotten ones here, probably because they're not so much "rotten" as "seriously injured" by the rotten ones in Jah's org. I cope a lot better with injured people than I do with nasty people

That's for sure, but if this group gets bigger and much bigger, then I wonder if those very annoying things at JW. Also happen here, I hope not but I'm not sure.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

That's for sure, but if this group gets bigger and much bigger, then I wonder if those very annoying things at JW. Also happen here, I hope not but I'm not sure.

Yeah but even if that does happen, just imagine how much worse it'll be in Jah's org

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Love is not simply a matter of being cooperative with each other, of being without offence or without challenge. The scriptures indicate that it is a cohesive standard that runs through the entire discipline of the attributes of Jehovah. And love is a discipline of understanding in its application. But it is more than that too because it is not simply instruction conducive to its practice but an emotive issue too if it to express itself fully.

The emotive part of love is its selflessness. The demonstrative part of love is justice. The instructional part of love is guidance. The unifying part of love is forgiveness. The authoritative part of love is its understanding. The discipline of love is realisation. The shaming part of love is self recrimination that we feel for our part in falling short. The application of love is its insight. And the reward of love is its acceptance - in all things.

The hurt you mention as felt by those who have chosen to leave is subject as much to themselves as it is to those that took no care to articulate their feelings properly, or had not the insight to see the effect upon those that they spoke with. It is never fully one way or the other, but is a shared expression of our imperfection. Christ said as much of those who murdered him. “Forgive them for they know not what they do!” For what then did he say that? Because he loved them. How can this be? There was a value in his heart that few could see, but that value was devoid of sentimentality, but rich in one of the many strands that empathy offers to those with insight of humanity - the (correct) interpretation of the life experience of others. What else could it be? Love then, carries a responsibility. It is not a simple act of acquiescence to another’s feelings. Love is not benign.

If the inference in comment is slighted towards Robert and his handling of his perceived duty to his belief, then it is ill placed. No one can be offended unless they give their permission to the other to offend them. Elenor Roosevelt was correct in her statement that “no one can offend you without your permission”. It does not matter that the barb may have been unwarranted: that is the fault of the speaker. Why take it upon one’s self? Why not settle the matter privately by message as indicated in the bible. Reasonableness is also a facet of love. It comes under selflessness? Do we really expect someone - anyone - to perceive our state of mind? Hence the need for selflessness, but to achieve that, we must talk to that one.

Without making comparison, Jesus was straightforward and could deliver a mouthful of abuse to the clergy of his day “You are from your father, the devil…”. But how did Jesus treat those of that class that came and spoke privately with him - I forget his name.

The issue though is not of differences between those of us gathered here. Though our diversity is something to be enjoyed - to discover the insight of others, to come to love their idiosyncrasies, We all share the same road - but love in itself, is not the tick-box of inoffensiveness it seems, but a holistic application in every last thing that we do or say.

The greatest example of love is seen in nature. Its provision. Just as the bible says “it rains upon us all, the sun shines upon us all, the good or the evil.” (Loosely put). Likewise, love is there for all to both feel and provide it - but we have to ask ourselves, to whom is it denied? Only to those who do not apply it in its fullness. Which is all of us! It is just as instructional to our accuser to ask of him his reasoning so that he is forced to reason upon it, as it is to ourselves if we ignore its application and suffer in our own needless ignorance of its scope.

Love is the basis of the Spirit. The bible points out quite clearly, that we have nothing if we do not grasp its fundamental application in the existence of the Creator. All our wisdom, all our understanding cannot be applied in our lives if we do not have this fundamental insight. The rest of the bible does not make sense without it. How can we “hope all things, and never fail” in our association across the complete range of human need and spiritual thinking, if we cannot see the holistic application of this fundamental law of existence?

Proverbs 19.11 that you quote mentions “insight”. This is key to understanding what love is as an attribute. The tribulation is an act of love in its application.

 

[Watchman]

Paul left because I shut him down on the thread about Trump's assassination. Even though I said that I didn't want to host a fruitless discussion about Trump supposedly squinting fake blood on his ear and pretending to be shot, Paul and others forged ahead. I emailed Paul and apologized for coming down so hard, but he said he needed some time away. I know how he feels.

As for Goldy, on the same thread, I warned her, but she said she didn't do warnings, so she left voluntarily, too, although in her case, I banned her in case she changed her mind, but I have reason to believe she has rejoined under a different name. It is fine with me. Maybe she does warnings after all.

I haven't seen Carl around since Mick ran him off.

 

[Ana]

One of our forum members, Watchful, posted a beautiful thread today, What Will Love Look Like? Hardly anyone had anything to post in response. Now I’m not one to come here to counsel anyone but Jehovah does give us guidelines on how we should show love…and more importantly what love is.
Another forum member said to me in his response to the thread, “And a Forum article is entitled , “What will love look like ? It should look the same in the future , as it should also look now.”

He’s right, if we don’t practice genuine love now I don’t think that Jehovah is going to magically change us. Do you? I bring this up in response to all the negative talk that’s been taking place on here lately. Yes, I know that I’m not perfect and from time to time I get my feathers ruffled but I never want to ever humiliate or demean someone because they may have a different opinion or idea. It doesn’t mean I agree.

The Bible speaks of how to treat others as well as how we should take or respond to someone if they offend us…doesn’t it? If Jehovah gives us this wise counsel in his word shouldn’t we put it into practice? I’m not saying no one here does but the negative talk is concerning.
Many fine brothers and sisters have been either kicked off or left the forum…very hurt. I contacted a few of them to let them know that I supported them.

We don’t want to let Satan cause divisions here on the forum. Don’t allow others to kill your joy for Jehovah…who’s all about peace. Let them say what they want. You don’t have to push the ignore button…Just IGNORE them. I’ve suffered many adversities being in the organization and with family. I guess I’ve become immune to it although those who I’m very close to mean a lot to me and it would hurt for them to treat me in a negative way. My circumstances have been that you friends and some dear close ones on here is all I have. Satan loves causing all this upheaval, don’t let him win.

I hope the others will come back and that Robert will reinstate ones he let go. We’re all imperfect living during a stressful time. We need to pray to Jehovah for strength. While many of us are well versed in prophecy, which I really appreciate, we also need reminders that Jehovah gives us in his word about showing love.

Here are some of those reminders.

“By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.” John 13:35
“Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same. 14 But besides all these things, clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.” Colossians 3:13,14
“The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, And it is beauty on his part to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
“Do not owe anything to anyone except to love one another; for whoever loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
“Now, however, these three remain: faith, hope, love; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13


If anyone would like to share their thoughts or other scriptures pertaining to this topic I’d love to hear from you. Remember friends I do appreciate you all and the love from those that have shown me in many ways. Let’s be a force for one another with Jehovah’s help.
I also want to thank the forum member sister who encouraged me to share this. Love to you all.

Yeah but even if that does happen, just imagine how much worse it'll be in Jah's org

En realidad es la organización de los hombres. La organización de la Jehová tiene una vista futura. Cuando organice las hierbas varias entonces, habrá realmente una organización divina. Que bien si llegamos a estar dentro de ese arreglo!!

 

[Deborah]

Paul left because I shut him down on the thread about Trump's assassination. Even though I said that I didn't want to host a fruitless discussion about Trump supposedly squinting fake blood on his ear and pretending to be shot, Paul and others forged ahead. I emailed Paul and apologized for coming down so hard, but he said he needed some time away. I know how he feels.

As for Goldy, on the same thread, I warned her, but she said she didn't do warnings, so she left voluntarily, too, although in her case, I banned her in case she changed her mind, but I have reason to believe she has rejoined under a different name. It is fine with me. Maybe she does warnings after all.

I haven't seen Carl around since Mick ran him off.

Good morning Robert. Goldie and I stay in touch. She has not rejoined under a different name.

 

[Watchman]

Good morning Robert. Goldie and I stay in touch. She has not rejoined under a different name.

I think she has.

 

[Melinda Riling]

Is your hubby a witness Melinda? Do you have any family at all who are witnesses?

No my hubby is not a witness. We have been studying together for the past 2 years. First year we listened to the Bible together on audio. Then we switched to study articles from JW.org on audio. I don’t push him. It’s very hard for me to tell how much he really understands. It’s hard for him to understand that Jehovah’s witnesses have the truth but at the same time they will receive Gods judgement. He does know and use Jehovah’s name which makes for good conversation.

 

[Melinda Riling]

I think she has.

This makes me happy. I hope she has!

 

[Melinda Riling]

Paul left because I shut him down on the thread about Trump's assassination. Even though I said that I didn't want to host a fruitless discussion about Trump supposedly squinting fake blood on his ear and pretending to be shot, Paul and others forged ahead. I emailed Paul and apologized for coming down so hard, but he said he needed some time away. I know how he feels.

As for Goldy, on the same thread, I warned her, but she said she didn't do warnings, so she left voluntarily, too, although in her case, I banned her in case she changed her mind, but I have reason to believe she has rejoined under a different name. It is fine with me. Maybe she does warnings after all.

I haven't seen Carl around since Mick ran him off.

As far as Carl I think it was a perfect storm. First Mick then someone pushed the ignore button

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

No my hubby is not a witness. We have been studying together for the past 2 years. First year we listened to the Bible together on audio. Then we switched to study articles from JW.org on audio. I don’t push him. It’s very hard for me to tell how much he really understands. It’s hard for him to understand that Jehovah’s witnesses have the truth but at the same time they will receive Gods judgement. He does know and use Jehovah’s name which makes for good conversation.

That's brilliant that you've got your hubby with you too, but yes, also very weird having to realise from the off that you're learning the truth about the truth!! Does the person you're studying with know about the GB going awry? Or are they continuing as normal?

 

[Melinda Riling]

That's brilliant that you've got your hubby with you too, but yes, also very weird having to realise from the off that you're learning the truth about the truth!! Does the person you're studying with know about the GB going awry? Or are they continuing as normal?

I am not studying with JW's....I was baptized in 1982 and I left the organization....I was disfellowshipped 20 years ago. I am the one studying with my husband. It would not be an option for me to be reinstated as I would have to lie

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

As far as Carl I think it was a perfect storm. First Mick then someone pushed the ignore button

Where is this "ignore" button I keep seeing so much about???

 

[MickHewitt]

Where is this "ignore" button I keep seeing so much about???

Click on the picture/avitar and it will give you the choice to ignore