unfriendThat is the message I got from an old high school friend this morning. Honestly, I have no clue as to why other than his profanity laced message (Heavily redacted here)… “I won’t ever debate anything ever again with you… it is perfectly clear to me that (your heart) is full of false doctrine.” What he is referring to is a mystery to me because we didn’t engage in any discussion I’m aware of. Odd thing is, he was my debate partner in high school!

Now for a few thoughts…

Thought #1: 1 Cor 4:3-5, “It is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.”re

Application: Just because I think I’m right doesn’t mean I AM right! Just because I’m not aware of offending someone doesn’t mean I haven’t offended them. Just because I didn’t mean to offend them doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be offended NOR that I should ignore their offense or consider it “immature.”

Thought #2: Just because someone disagrees with me (you) does not make them my (your) enemy.

Thought #3: Just because I (you) disagree with someone does not make them my (your) enemy.

Thought #4: Just because someone’s opinion of me (you) is negative doesn’t mean they are right NOR that I (you) should embrace it.

Last Thought: The only person’s opinion of you that matters is God. YOUR OWN opinion of yourself is just as flawed as anyone else’s!

James 4:6 God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.