xjwsforChrist

CHARIKLO SAID

Brilliant!

Thanks, I just wasn't sure if maybe my words first thing this morning, though they were carefully thought out, might have been capable of misinterpretation.

We come from a variety of very different traditions in this group, but our love for Christ does unite us all. As well as our dislike of the Watchtower and its mind-controlling techniques, and the fact that so many of us have suffered under them in one way or another.

JOCHY SAID


Tammy and Shelby, I totally agree with your words. We must not let the fear of man stop us from publically declare union with our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord's invitation is open to anyone.

PSACRAMENTO SAOD

Every meal we have as a family, we always remember Our Lords sacrifice but on the day of the Lord's Supper I always tell my kids the last super story and what he asked and what it means and we always share of the wine and bread of that meal in a very special way.
He gave so much for us and truly asks for so little.
"This commandment I leave with you, Love each other as I have loved you".
We share of his blood that He spilled for Us and we share of His body that he allowed to be broken for us.
We remember always that He loved us first.

JUSTMOM SAID

Yes to you Tammy and Jochy as well....

I could not agree with you more on your comments.

For me if I PROFESS TO LOVE CHRIST...
If I PROFESS to be in union with Christ
if I PROFESS to have Holy Spirit dwelling in me.....

How could I not WANT to out of LOVE for Christ go and show a people who ...

profess to carry his name, profess to be the truth, profess to possess the only true anointed and faithful slave class, who professes to promise its poor sheep everlasting life and hopes of seeing their dead loved ones again....WHO CALL THEMSELVES CHRISTIANS and yet.....DENY THE ONE JAH HAS SENT, BY DENYING THIS COVENANT FOR LIFE AND THE ONE BY MEANS IT IS ALL POSSIBLE??

For me, with all our family and loved ones , friends and now even enemies...
I personally feel I have no other choice. Why wouldn't I do this for them if I have love for them? My lord died for them. I can at least go and enter in among them and show them his means of salvation.

Romans 10: 11-15. "How are they to put faith, How are they to call on the name of Jah, How are they to be saved unless SOMEONE HAS BEEN SENT FORTH"
So this is a very special time of year for me as I know because of their rejection as to who they think I am or have become, and knowing they don't have the freedom to speak to me, I can at least go in and SHOW them a demonstration of my faith.

Thank for listening
Love Justmom

AGUEST SAID

Good morning and peace to you all, especially YOU, dear, dear Char! Please know that I certainly knew you meant no offense! I hope my "zealous" response didn't offend YOU - as I've stated, this is a topic very near and dear to my heart... for several reasons, including the utter falsity of the WTBTS' teaching about... and covert prohibitions and attempts to undermine... it. I must stop myself from calling them "despicable" for it, so as not the offend the MOST Holy One of Israel, JAH of Armies, Himself! But it is difficult sometimes... because of its motives and purpose: to shut UP the kingdom of the heavens before these poor folks!

You've given me two posts that contain comments I'd like to respond to if I may - thank you VERY much, dear one!



I understand as to not going into the RC context just now. As for the others, these before whom I wish to declare my union with Christ... as well as demonstrate what THEY should do in order to put themselves in line for union... are not in these other places. As your comment suggests, those in such places ALREADY KNOW. How in the world, though, will those still in that WTBTS harlot... if no one goes TO them? MUST we wait for them to come OUT? That would be like saying JAH didn't need to send His angels into Sodom, but only wait until Lot "got it" and came OUT in order to lead him to safety? Where, though, is the LOVE... in that??


It is, dear one... but, again, what would be the purpose? I don't need to go to ANY church/religion to declare my union with Christ - I AM the "church", a LIVING stone in the temple of God. And so I can well partake at home... alone, with my family, loved ones... or at another's home, etc., for that. But my declaration is BEFORE these, those in the WTBTS. And they would never come to my home to see it... would they?



I DO do that, dear one... every day. Just as Israel did while still in the wilderness. I declare the death of my dear Lord every single day... and will do so until he returns. This, though, is not about that... as much as it is about making that declaration before men.



But it does NOT mean that, dear one, not at ALL! It means that I do NOT accept their twisted interpretation. If I went and did NOT partake... THAT would mean acceptance of their interpretation. For me to go and partake... PUBLICLY... means I am PUBLICLY declaring that I AM in union with Christ... BEFORE these who say I am NOT... and that I DO what HE said... NOT them... which I declare BEFORE them... publicly.



Yes, which I hope you can now understand is to ME... in the way your faith calls for it, EXACTLY the same thing as my public declaration of my union with Christ may be to YOU. I don't understand why you feel you must do what you feel YOU must do... but perhaps it's not FOR me to understand, but only YOU.



That could be, dear one, but I need to clarify that I was not born into that organization - I entered as an adult. And so I had some things established long before I ever knew what a Jehovah's Witness was. Which might be one reason why I am more compelled than some others: I don't have ANY fear of her. I have no one "still inside" her, or anyone that I am concerned with embarassing or humiliating. Not that that would deter me: I would rather face their chagrin, even anger... than my Lord's disappointment.


I am glad we see the same on this, dear one!



And that is a problem for me, dear one... one that I can't understand why isn't a problem for you. Why would I need to speak to Christ THROUGH ANYONE?? Why can't I go directly to HIM? I mean... I CAN. So WHY go "through" anyone else? The ONLY person I need to "go through" to as to speak to or be heard by another... is through Christ so as to speak to/be heard by God. Otherwise, there is NO OTHER. That you consider going through another man to speak to Christ is... well, a lot of things to me, actually, but none of them good. Even so... YOUR understanding allows you to do so. I am not your judge, however, nor do you owe me an explanation. So, while I can ask you to explain... if I truly WANT to know... and love would prompt me to ACCEPT that explanation, even if I didn't UNDERSTAND it... I cannot come to you demanding an explanation simply because I don't understand it. Right? Because you don't OWE me an explanation. You only owe me... love. Right?



Actually, I would not say that, dear one. Not at all. Rather, while I would say that, yes, one could perhaps "speak" with CHRIST silently... my understanding is that words to the Father should be out loud. Else, why even go INTO one's private room... shut the door... and THEN pray? My understanding is the reason for this is so that others DON'T hear your prayer... because it is between you and the Father, alone. Many pray out loud, in front of others... but that is so as to be heard BY others. Christ said that WE are NOT to do that, though. If, however, one can simply pray to the Father in their head... why go into one's private room at all? So that one can bow their head/get on their knees? Where, though, did Christ say THAT was necessary in order to pray to the Father?

The ONLY requirements I know of are to do so in private... and through him (Christ). Not necessarily on bended knee... and certainly not through any other person. Of course, if the circumstances dictate that one cannot get away TO pray in private, then one can offer a silent prayer, yes, but that's an exception (Nehemiah 1:4-11; 2:4b. My Lord himself ALWAYS prayed to the Father... out loud. It was for this reason that he often separated himself (with perhaps 1-2 exceptions - John 17:1)from his disciples... and for some distance... so that he COULD pray in private (Matthew 26:36, 42, 44; Mark 14:32-35, 39; Luke 22:41)... because he didn't have his own private room to use (. Why separate himself if he could just pray in silence?



But if such ones simply went to CHRIST they wouldn't even have to pay! No donation/contribution, no priests to "keep", no psychiatrist bill(s), right? But these are necessary due to what? A LACK OF FAITH. And so they are not sanctioned by God, dear one. They belong to the WORLD, which remains in darkness (BECAUSE of that lack of faith)... rather than in the Light! Right? Who... or what... should man EVER turn to for answers... assistance... comfort... guidance... direction... instruction... help... EXCEPT Christ? Nothing... and no one. So these CAN'T be sanctioned by God, the One who ESTABLISHED Christ as that One. Right?



But Char... such one ISN'T forgiven... any more than Israel was by the priests they took THEIR sacrifices to! Only GOD can forgive... and so the only others than can do so are those who are granted AUTHORITY to forgive BY God. They are those who RECEIVE that authority... by means of holy spirit!... from CHRIST, the One to whom God has granted ALL authority. And so while these people may THINK they are forgiven... their sins remain! Why? Because, by going to the ones they ARE... they are "climbing up some OTHER way"... rather than going through the DOOR! (John 10:1, 7-9)

Now, I don't understand why anyone would want to DO that... but it is not MY place to judge them (because JAH shows mercy to whomever HE wishes). Nor can I say to YOU... "Why would you DO that??!" I absolutely would not... but I am not you.

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The priest hasn't forgiven him. God did that, Christ did that before he ever began that process. God forgives us the moment we are truly sorry.

This is not true, dear one. We are forgiven if and when we ASK for forgiveness ON THE BASIS of Christ's blood. Because "unless blood is poured out there is NO forgiveness of sins." (Hebrews 9:22) So, if one is not IN UNION with Christ, which not only includes partaking of his flesh and blood... and OBEYING his commandments TO such one, INDIVIDUALLY... as well as doing the Father's will... and one does not ASK... how is one to RECEIVE forgiveness??

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But, especially for those who have a hard time forgiving themselves, once they've gone through that process, they KNOW, deep down in their heart, they're forgiven.

They know they've been forgiven by man. But that does NOT mean they've been forgiven by God. And vice versa. And... can one who has not been forgiven himself/herself FORGIVE sins against God? For example, if I am a hypocrite, living a life where, say, I secretly kill others... can I forgive the sins of others before God? Does not a LITTLE "leaven" ferment the entire lump, so that the entire lump is unclean?

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There is a profound experience of great joy and release. Also, the priest is unshockable and very experienced, and can often give very good advice.

But cannot Christ himself do the very same thing? If so, why, then, put someone else in his PLACE? Why not go directly to HIM... and ask forgiveness FROM him... on the basis of HIS blood... for FREE... rather than going to ANY other? I mean, do we REALLY need to SEE another man, hear his voice... so as to have faith that our sins ARE forgiven? Is that not looking/calling upon a golden calf? Or should we not simply put our faith in Christ... and HIS mercy... letting HIM tell us HIMSELF... with his OWN voice... that we are forgiven... by HIM?

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It is very often a very very valuable healing experience, and totally, completely private. The encounter is, in every way, for both participants, with God. Naturally, as one would expect, it's been the subject of much simplification and caricature in movie after movie. Those who are Catholic understand it, and those who don't and have their own existing theological objections don't.

But then, that would be the same, would it not, as saying JWs "understand" the things they believe... and that's just as "okay," yes? If so, then how can any of US have any objections to what they believe? Dear one, there is no more basis for confessing to priests... or listening to/following... indeed, even having a Pope... than there is for not partaking... and so listening to/following... or even having... a GB.

We have a Leader. One. Christ. There is NO other, my dear, dear Char. That folks still walk by SIGHT... versus by FAITH... such that they NEED men, institutions, traditions, rituals, doctrines, etc., to see... and hear... because their lack of faith won't ALLOW them to hear... or see... Christ... doesn't make such men, institutions, traditions, rituals, doctrines... or the temporary "comfort" such might bring RIGHT. They are ALL false, dear one. Everyone one of them. Unfortunately, not everyone is able... or even READY... to see THAT truth. Yet.

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BTW, the confession box, while it still exists in most places, is very far from being the only place it takes place. Next week our parish, like so many all over the world, will have what's called a Penitential Service, half a dozen priests will come from neighbouring parishes and will sit in various places round the church, one in the "box", one in a separate room, and the others just sitting quietly out of earshot round the church. People choose firstly if they want to go at all, and secondly where and to whom they'll go, if at all. I shall go to one who will just be sitting on a chair, with another chair next to him. He's a young man and I am a grandma! But I know him as deeply spiritual, with insight and intelligence and kindness, his advice is very sound, and he has been of immeasurable help to me in coming out of the trauma of the WT.

Ahh, now SEE: I can't imagine ever doing such a thing, going to some man, no matter how "experienced" or "compassionate" I might think he is... or in whatever setting... or however the arrangement is set up to make me feel "comfortable"... and confess my sins. Even if I personally knew such a man. Because (1) I have One to go to and I trust HIM when he tells me I am forgiven, and (2) I have no idea what's truly in the heart of such a man... or whether HIS prayer actually "gets through." He might be a man who has no more power than to pray to himself. ([b[]Luke 18:11)



And THAT is all that should matter, yes? True, if you believe I am heading in a wrong direction... and are COMPELLED by the Spirit to warn me, then you must do so... but in love! And vice versa: if I am compelled to warn YOU of something, then I should do so and in love. I am not so compelled toward you; however, I AM compelled to do so toward those I formerly associated with. Because of my love... and more importantly, my Lord's love... for them.



I do not think this (smile!). And I do understand that it is a much less punitive/condemnatory situation (if at all) than as with the WTBTS. But those in her who participate in such are, for the most part, sheep without a shepherd. Now, I can tell them about and perhaps lead them to OTHER shepherds. For example, priests of other religions. OR... I can tell them about (and perhaps, as a result, maybe lead them) to the FINE Shepherd himself. Given what I know of them... and him... I can make no other choice but to tell them about the latter... and pray for the FATHER to draw them to That One. Because MY faith is in HIM... and NO ONE else.

Dear, dear Char... please know that I do not condemn your choices; I respect them. However, they do bring up the same astonishment in ME as perhaps mine in this matter raise in you. But as long as we can receive each other with love, the Father, who is MOST Holy One of Israel, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, JAH of Armies... will Himself FINISH our training... by and through our dear Lord, His Son, the HOLY One of Israel and Holy Spirit, JAHESHUA, the Chosen One of JAH (MischaJah). I have ALL faith in that... and absolutely NO doubt.

So, I hope this helps!

Again, peace to you, dear one!

YOUR servant, sister, and fellow slave of Christ,

SA

CHARIKLO SAID

Ah, Shelby, dear, I am not compelled to warn you about anything, and I neither WANT to warn you or NEED to warn you of anything at all! I am not in the business of warning! I don't even think like that!

When I explain something, I am explaining (in this instance) partly so as to increase your (collectively, not just you, Shelby) comprehension of my theological culture, which is very different from yours, and partly, hopefully, to increase your understanding of me. I am absolutely NEVER saying "I am right. You are wrong. This is so." Never. Not once. Ever!

That is not who I am. I am not judgemental, and I don't for one moment expect you to believe what I say and accept it as more right than your own belief. Well, for a start, if I did I would be very stupid, and I am, as you know, very far from stupid.

What we have here are different cultures, different belief systems, different backgrounds but ONE LORD, ONE CHRIST whom we all acknowledge and love and seek to follow, through whom and in whom we find and have unity.

Is that not wonderful? He unites us in love. We belong to him. It is your love for him, as well as your utter honesty, that drew me to you when I first investigated this forum when others derided it. I wasn't wrong. I don't regret that decision for one minute.

There are areas where we see things differently. That's fine by me. Here we have two different people with strong, solid, sure faith in Christ. He loves us both, loves us all. Not one of us knows his full truth, not one. It doesn't matter. Love in him is what matters, and it is here in abundance.

I just think that's great!

GLTIREBITER SAID


True. That's the most important thing, and that's what they DO do...FIRST. That's all they HAVE to do. BUT not everyone finds that easy, and not everyone has the insight to understand themselves and their own heart. Many people, indeed, condemn themselves and suffer agonies of totally unnecessary guilt, either for things they needn't blame themselves for or things they can't forgive themselves for.

Allow me to expand on this, if I may. Like Chariklo, I have a Catholic point of view.

The internal conversation with the Lord is part of what we call "examination of conscience". It is the first step on the road to repentance: taking an honest look at yourself to discern where you did something you thought was OK, but really was a refusal to "love your neighbor", and where you did the right thing even though it was hard to do so, and where you were overly scrupulous thinking a benign act was wrongdoing. Add that list to the obvious cases of what we knew was wrong but did anyway. Now we have privately admitted our sins and also our virtues, and we know the areas where we need to seek guidance. "Know then thyself" (A. Pope--who was a poet, not a cleric)

Sacramental confession is the next step. That is where procrastination ends and repentance takes over. We take the overt step of going to confession, we say aloud what we admit to privately, we ask for guidance, we verbally promise to atone for the harm we have done and mend our ways, and we plead to be forgiven through the Lord's mercy. Availing ourselves of sacramental confession is the outward sign of our internal repentance (from the Catechism: "A sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace."). Now there's no more "tomorrow I'll do better"--you have said it, you spoke your commitment to repent starting right here, right now.

In other words, the examination of conscience is the beginning, and seeking absolution in sacramental confession is the closure. It's a case of both-and, rather than either-or.

AGUEST SAID


YES, dear Char (again, the GREATEST of love and peace to you, dear one!)... YES!! UNLIKE the practices of the WTBTS, we CAN understand differently... yet STILL receive one another in love!!



Nor I! What you say here is TRUE... and for the SAME reason that I am drawn to YOU: YOUR spirit! In SPITE of our respective differences in understanding/belief!


AMEN, my dear, dear sister! A... MEN!


As do I! And I can THINK that because of my dear Lord's word that "He who is not AGAINST you... IS FOR you!" You have NEVER shown yourself against me/us, dear, dear Char... ever. And so, how can I NOT love and accept you? I don't have to agree with you... nor you with me. Indeed, we will most probably have areas/topics where we DON'T agree. But... SO WHAT? Love... NEVER fails! That means even when there are disagreements, yes?

And that is why focusing on Christ, the Copper Serpent, upon whom we are to have our gaze... is important! HE said that LOVE would be our identifying mark, yes? And so, regardless of what the WTBTS... OR the RCC... or any other institution... teaches... there is NO law against love for US, is there? I TOTALLY accept you as my sister in Christ, WITHOUT reservation. Why? Because we agree on the same things? No: because of the LOVE we have for one another, which love... SURPASSES not only transgressions... but differences, my dear one!

I have NO doubt that you have learned THAT law, that truth... because you DEMONSTRATE it. And so I am perfectly fine with that. The sheep don't belong to us, but to Christ. All WE can do is share what we hear from him. And so long as one is receptive TO hearing... and is not "against" us... but for us... they ARE us!

Thank you, dear, dear sister... for your kindness and understanding. I realize that you and I have differences... but so long as our love "covers"... nothing else matters, does it?

Peace to you, dear, dear Char!

YOUR servant, sister, and fellow slave of Christ... to time indefinite,

SA

CHARIKLO SAID

Hooray!

Dear, dear Shelby, all you say here is not only absolutely true and lovely, but there is not one word in this post from you that couldn't equally as well have come straight from my own heart!

I have never shown myself to be against you, because I am not! I am with you and for you and will stand with you against anyone! Because, despite differences in detail, we have the same outlook and the same agenda and most of all the same heart!

I also love this group, which is utterly unlike any other on the web, certainly in my experience.

And GL TIrebiter, you too have made my heart warm to you and rejoice, because it's just plain lovely to know that someone else here not only shares my experience and standpoint but also chooses to be here and is supportive of me. I haven't put that well, and there are many other individual people here who stand out in their friendship and the love they show and have shown me...if I name some then others will feel left out, so I won't!

But GL, and Shelby, to wake up and read two posts that so warm my spirit, well, WOW! What a lovely, lovely treat!

ATALOA SAID

I have a question (and it may have been addressed already - I sometimes get lost in the long posts).

If one was to partake in the kingdom hall, wouldn't the witnesses merely think that that person thought they were one of the limited 144,000? How would that be teaching them that all should partake?

AGUEST SAID



Perhaps, dear Ataloa (peace to you!), but what of those who would NOT think that, those who may have already heard the call themselves and are wondering about that... and/or have learned that the invitation is NOT just to the little flock but, as my dear Lord said, "I have other sheep and these TOO I must call and they (too) will listen to my voice"?

Given what's been posted on the Internet in recent years, I personally have NO doubt that MANY inside her are starting to realize that the invitation is NOT just to a limited group but, as it states, to "ANYONE." Many of them just don't know what to do about that. Some have decided to "cross that bridge when they come to it," but partake in the meantime. PRAISE JAH for THEM!

What if one or more of these are present when we attend... and are compelled TO seek us out and ASK about it? If they never see US, however, WHO will they ask? Of course, it SHOULD be Christ... but while they may hear the call (from him), they may not necessarily hear what ELSE he is saying to them... yet.



(Smile) Perhaps through the old addage that "seeing is believing", dear one? LOLOLOL! True, all should walk by FAITH, but most walk by sight, unfortunately, and so need to SEE something in order to believe it. If they SEE others partaking, perhaps they WILL be compelled to ASK about it, if not that night, perhaps later, even if covertly. Like Nicodemus. There are a LOT of Nicodemuses out there, dear one. Unfortunately... or fortunately... depending on how one wants to "look" at it!

Alternatively, at least for me, it MIGHT be a basis for ME to speak with THEM. Because I can imagine that their partaking isn't being completely well-received. They are most probably feeling quite "alone." Even if they don't WANT to speak to me, I can let them know I'm out here... WE'RE out here... if they ever want or need to know that.

I hope this helps!

Again, peace to you!

YOUR servant and a slave of Christ,

SA

LOZ SAID

If I attended where I was known, where they knew me disfellowshipped, and will know that I still am (in all probability), what will they think if I turn up and partake?

Will they imagine I've become a Born Again Christian maybe, or an apostate (smile)? On that basis will they simply discount me? They can't publicly approach me unless some ask if I'm reinstated. What would I say in response?
I'd imagine that elders would approach me and I wonder how I'd handle that and how the memories of the pain they inflicted would affect me?

These are the questions buzzing around in my head. Any input would be appreciated.

Loz x
_________________
Don't let anyone put you down, and don't do it to yourself.

JUSTMOM SAID

Good morning...
Dear Ataloa

There are those that ARE seeing that John 10:16 does not just mean 144,000
That there are those that may not be of the little flock of 144,000 but they hear the call to come into this sheepfold from the voice of the fine shepherd as " other sheep" those of ALL nations, tribes, people's and tongues.
Some have GREAT fear in this case to partake knowing full well how they will be viewed. Like a " who do you think you are attitude" ?

Some of these individuals may even know us personally some may need to just see that there are those out there that are not allowing the organization to control this open invitation for life in this covenant. That THEY can belong to CHRIST, be of his body, have Holy Spirit dwell in them and had LIFE WITHIN THEMSELVES.

So it is a privilege to know this. Yes we can practice our faith at home with our families and fellow believers by taking of his manna and blood. But to opening confess this to people that it comes FOREIGN to is a blessing to share.

Just a thought I'd share
Love Justmom

AGUEST SAID



Forgive my forthrightness, dear, dear Loz (peace to you, luv!)... but do you CARE what they think, truly? Should you?



They'll think whatever they wish to; however, they should be careful of that, shouldn't they... because with the same judgment that THEY judge, they will BE judged, yes? Who, REALLY, are the apostates here?


Nope, you will be counted. I know... because I am DF'd... as is 'Mom and FinalCall... and yet, we are still counted.



They can DO what they wish; of course, they may not wish to do so publicly because of their fear of men. Some, though, may not remember you or that you're DF'd. Some may have never met you, having come since you left. Of course, there will be "buzz" that you even showed up. But our concerns is not the opposers/nosy-warts, is it?

What would I say in response?

(Smile) I have learned to NEVER try and prepare ahead of time what to say, but give myself as an instrument to Christ... and let HIM speak when the time comes. In which instances, HE always says the exact right thing! For example, a few years ago I went up to my old PO and told him that I just wanted to let him know that I held absolutely nothing against him, that I know why he felt he needed to do what he did and that I had forgiven him. He looked at me for a minute and then asked me, "If WE are SO wrong, why are you here? Why do you keep coming here?"

I was taken aback, at first, not knowing how to reply. And then I heard my Lord say (although MY mouth was moving! LOLOL!):

"It was you all that stopped loving me, Brother. But MY love for YOU has NOT failed."

Yikes! Okaaayyyyy...

He stood looking at me for a very long pause... and then turned and walked away. The next year he was a bit less... surly. And even less the year after that. Sooo...



I would suggest you stop imagining... as what could actually occur might be so far removed from what you COULD imagine, so not point... as well as stop worrying about how to handle if they did, but leave that to our dear Lord. As for your memories... I must humbly say that you MUST forgive them (as our Lord forgave those who put HIM to death!)... and that when you HAVE... your pain will disappear. You only have pain now, dear one, because you are choosing to hold onto it. Let... it... go. They DIDN'T know what they were doing... and still don't really know what they have done: NOT just persecuted YOU... but persecuted the Christ! (Matthew 25:40, 45; Acts 9:1, 4)



The word of my Lord to you, dear one, is to hear his words as recorded at Matthew 10:24-42... and hear HIS voice to you in them.

We have a job to do, dear Loz: we are ambassadors substituting for Christ. To WHOM do we direct our charge? Among whom do we use our talents/minas? People who are strangers to us? Or people who are known to us... and so SHOULD be loved by us? How can we greet strangers with this wonderful GOOD news... that ANYONE can partake of the flesh and blood of Christ, so as to be resurrected and/or live forever... if we won't even share it with our OWN blood, even our brothers?

I am not sure fear of being rejected is a good excuse NOT to declare one's faith, dear one. I mean, we KNOW one is not welcome in their home territory, yes? I don't think that stopped our Lord from going there, though.

Take it to him, luv. Discuss your concerns... and ask HIM to help you understand what HE wishes you to do, if anything. BUT... do NOT turn your face... or ear... AWAY... if what you hear is not what you WANT to hear... or uncomfortable. Because we are being trained to be kings and priests... in a righteous kingdom. How can one be such... if one can't even face one's enemies... or enter AMONG enemies... to save a brother or friend?

Love them, dear Loz... even though they are your enemies... and you will have NO fear. Because PERFECT love, which means love EVEN of one's enemies... casts ALL fear... OUTSIDE.

I hope this helps, truly. Again, take it to the One who can and should lead you through this.

Peace... and strength... to you!

YSSFS of Christ,

SA

LOZ SAID

As for your memories... I must humbly say that you MUST forgive them (as our Lord forgave those who put HIM to death!)... and that when you HAVE... your pain will disappear

I'm sorry Shelby, my thinking aloud/ musings, have been misleading! I have forgiven them, long ago. They were just instruments doing the WTBSs dirty work, and wee know who's in charge there! No, it isn't about forgiveness at all. I was musing about my physical response. I used to be reduced to a frazzle if I even saw, any of those who interrogated me for hours. I don't want my physical body to shake when they look at me. And it's not even fear, actually, it happens when I recall ANY severely painful memories.

I love the words at Matthew 10 Shelby, thank you, again, this isn't about fear, I am thinking aloud if you understand me? Nevertheless, that scripture is so relevant to us all.

Loz x
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Don't let anyone put you down, and don't do it to yourself.