but seriously, this is a great analogy. I think I’m constantly in a process of reconstruction.

“What are the core parts? How do they function? What is their purpose? What can I remove without losing that function or purpose?”

can’t wait till you plant a church in westgate.

Candis, I’m not sure I have my interpretation of context just right. I was just saying what was coming to me the last couple of days. Certain people’s hermeneutic (that is, method for interpreting scripture) is that the Word is completely transcendent of context, which is fine most of the time, but in my opinion can turn into picking and choosing, and then in turn using scripture to back up one’s own personal ideologies. I am really big on interpreting scripture in light of the context it sits in, and in some cases the culture and history of the context.

In this particular case, the preceding verses have Jesus explaining how to deal with interpersonal relationships in the community, specifically sin. It’s often been used to kick people out of the church, etc, but the way Jesus words things, if read carefully, are actually very beautiful and very full of grace.

The scripture I quoted and the verse before it (binding and loosing), seem somewhat disconnected from the preceding verses, so I don’t know exactly the context, but since it’s in the middle of talking about communal relationships, I assume that it is related to that.

But that’s just how I see it. However the scripture speaks to you is cool with me.

You and Rowan and Ciara are so loved.

And you’re right, its not always sweet. But I think it should always be encouraging. I still believe that it shouldnt make a person feel guilty. It should make them realize what they are doing and turn from doing that, but guilt and realization are two different things. I see it more as an eye opener.

The bible verse you quoted sums it up perfectly in my opinion. Where is that from? A “quiet rebuke” to me says “grace” whereas “whack on the head” says “make someone feel bad about themselves.”

I believe God wants us to realize what we ARE and turn towards that, not what we’re NOT and focusing on that.

I appreciate the kind words, as well. Thank you!

And maybe this is a generational thing… I sort of think it is… but your generation is doing itself a disservice in rejecting the concept of rebuke. Even icky, ugly rebuke. Here is why I think so:

Every generation has its handcrafted and favored lies it buys into. The goal of a positive affirming reaction as being not only necessary, but the only acceptable response is crippling.

“A rebuke should never discourage someone. It should never leave the person feeling guilty.”
Really ? Really? Are you very sure of that?

Because I see those who are mourning their innocence, mourning the ugliness of life they have stumbled into primarily because this ideal of “no guilt” communication left them defenseless in a world that is laced with real…actual… evil. Rebuke and guilt when properly understood are painful warnings that something is horribly askew.

The Bible says,”A quiet rebuke to a person of good sense does more than a whack on the head of a fool.”

I guess where I agree would be the spirit in which a rebuke is given. Too often rebuke arises from pride and desire to intimidate and dominate. Any type of correction is a type of rebuke, and sometimes it isn’t sweet or encouraging to one rebuked. But it can be, and that turns it around to the one receiving it.

I wish we could only give “graceful enticements” to living better or turning from doom. But not all circumstances or personal situations are given to that, that said, a soft graceful speech should be given first place.

Thanks for the thought inspiring post… even if I don’t fully agree with your conclusion I appreciate your process.