Blessed are the meek

Hi, I havent written for a while. Well, here it goes...

Just came back from my last bible study of the year 2006. We were studying on the verse 3 of the Beautitudes: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Personally I found the verse is really interesting as we further studied it and discussed it. I learnt that the intensity, frustration that Jesus (who is perfect) might feel when he encountered with us who are imperfect. But still then he was so patient with us, teaching, and correcting us. That description of Jesus' feelings helped me to understand the verse more.

Many times I had not been patient with one another, grumbling at the back, why the person did this and that, thinking that my way will be the correct one. To be frank, I did not find it easy to give up what I think is right. I dunno whether I have to. My problem prolly is on trying to impose my thought to the person. But, one thing I'm learning these days is to learn that an individual is allowed to be who they are and we cant impose our opinions to others. Again, tonight I was reminded by 2 Timothy 2: 24-26

And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. and that they will come to their sense and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Wonderful, the verses are clear about how do we response to those who disagree with us. We are to gently instruct which means including lots of patience but then we are doing so not without hope. We have hope that God will grant our friend, brother/sister in Christ to the truth. I reckon that's awesome! I had been worrying because people believing in false (unbiblical) doctrines are everywhere, right here in nowadays churches. But at the same time, I'm stuck with my limited biblical knowledge to filter whatever teaching I recieve (I'm working on it :P). So, I felt abit unfair to judge someone with false doctrine. But, again the Holy Spirit does give discernment to us. We are called to test the spirit, look at the fruit of the teaching, then correct and rebuke the wrong. I just dunno how to rebuke the wrong gently. Either I did not say anything (silent) or I say it harshly. I realize that I had been working things out on my own, not even remember that only the Holy Spirit can convict and change hearts.

In the past, I was not able to express my personal opinions and beliefs, afraid of rejection mostly. Now that I'm changing, I felt that I was more easily to "explode" on things. May be not on the spot but other time when asked by sumwan else. I want to have my own opinions on everything rather than taking others opinions (believe it or not, it's inspired from "Runaway Bride"). I think it is good though at times I consider myself selfish. I know that there is this "Righteous Anger" where we are angry upon sumthing is wrong. I think It is true and noble. Now I have an opinion and checking it with the bible to the best of my ability and by God's grace, I am confident that it is true. When I found sumwan has a different idea, I probably have imposed my beliefs on him because I know that they are wrong.

Hmmm