Ragamuffin Soul - Latest Comments in Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

Bill — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:16:43 -0000

More than likely there is some type of conflict going on because of perceived wrongdoing. I would ask them if I had offended them in some way. Assuming that they perceive that I have indeed offended them, I would ask for their forgiveness for at the very least making them feel that way. Then followup with asking if they'd go to grab a snack/lunch/dinner with me and try to further restore the relationship. If they refuse at any of these points, that is their choice. But I believe in such a case as this I will have done everything reasonable and perhaps even possible to heal and would not, as Jesus said, let the dust remain on my shoes.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

Terry — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 06:37:12 -0000

"...Kill them with kindness...."

sometimes no.

there was a situation in my life where the best thing was to leave the person who had 'dishonored' me alone.

that was the healthiest thing to do.

i have forgiven them and pray sometimes for them, but that doesn't i should have interaction with her.

i hope this doesn't come across bad.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

alicia — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 01:35:28 -0000

I am right in the middle of this and my first attempt at kindness was thrown right back in my face - so I will just keep trying... :) Kill them with kindness right?

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

Terry — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:28:38 -0000

invite them over for pizza and enjoy a movie together

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Cristin — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 21:21:27 -0000

forgive them, love them, pray that God would bless them and give them favor.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

Rachel — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:53:02 -0000

I have been thinking about this question for the past day...At first I couldn't really think of someone who (at least recently) "dishonored" me. But there was one situation that came to mind after a while, and it was pretty recent...

I still see that person now and then, so my best answer is this: yes, to pray for him, but also to genuinely wish the best for him in life, to keep my opinions to myself and not to speak poorly of him, even though it would be pretty easy to do with some of the friends that were involved in the situation. And if any of my friends says something negative about him, to in turn say something positive, since we all could be called out for stuff like that.

Yep. Thanks for making me think of this, Los! Great question.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

Jenna — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:15:03 -0000

Pray for them.

That's all I can do at times.

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Jesse — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:27:47 -0000

Los, you're the man dude, you continue to amaze and challenge us all. All that was said here is right on, however I would say the only other thing you could do....is this! If someone is disprespecting you, don't act right then. If you act right then, two things could happen. One, you'll fly off the handle, and that ain't good. Or two, you'll try to be nice through your anger and then you won't be real and genuine about it. People can tell when you're faking it, they can see the scowel behind your smile. Take a day to pray about it, sleep on it. Don't let your anger determine the situation. When you talk it out with someone, or journal it, it will help you process things better.

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mandy — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:24:38 -0000

do to them what you WISH they had done to you.... treat them as you wanted them to treat you.

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Aaron — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 07:11:17 -0000

By not blogging about it. (You know how hard that can be!)

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Angie — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:30:57 -0000

connote something of priceless value...

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Valtool — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:55:14 -0000

I always figured FORGIVENESS would be a good way to honor someone who has dishonored you, but I find it hard to find anyone I've dishonored whos willing to show any forgiveness, probably a bit of what has me tainted.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

Naz — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 21:48:07 -0000

Hmml, I teach special ed in an alternative elementary school and I get "dishonored" every day. Sometimes I get a sore on the left side of my tongue from biting it. It takes a mindset of knowing that other person is important to God and treating them that way, and we're all working on that, right?

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Adam F — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:56:09 -0000

pray for them and/or with them regularly. I've found it's hard to hold a grudge for long when you do that.

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emily — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:50:06 -0000

I've never commented before, but have been reading for awhile now. Thanks for keeping it real! This question hit me right between the eyes: I keep hearing God say, let it go, don't add fuel to the fire!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

Terry — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:39:36 -0000

I'd been struggling for a long time because of some obvious flaws in that person's life, but being reminded of all the ways that he has strove and sacrificed for the gospel changed my heart.
Plus, being reminded of how "God uses crooked sticks(like me) to strike straight blows" was powerfully humbling.

Thanks for the opportunity to share, ragamuffin soul!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

Terry — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:36:21 -0000

anonomously put some money in their ministry account.

it was a comment at another blog that prompted me. Here it is:

"As a general rule, you want to be very careful about the way you speak about other men's ministry. Though I obviously have grave reservations about some of the things that are done in these churches, I am deeply grateful to God that he has used these men to spread his gospel. We should also be deeply grateful to these men for sacrificing and striving to see the gospel go forward. I don't know all of them personally, but I would venture that many of them may be much better husbands, fathers, leaders, and disciples of the Lord than I will ever be.
Does that mean I approve of their methods? Not at all. Does that mean that I think their methods aren't at times wrong and unhelpful? Not at all. But I am thankful that God uses crooked sticks (like me) to strike straight blows. "

Posted by: Mike McKinley | Jan 30, 2008 9:34:02 AM

http://blog.9marks.org/2008...

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

louis — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:20:41 -0000

Man Los,

Way to get all up in my business. I am struggling with this. Th big problem is that he is on my team. I will pray and then go.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

justin aka j rocka — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:39:19 -0000

forgive them in public. it sucks to hold on to crap. crap should be flushed. word. love you.

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beccity98 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:18:21 -0000

I don't really know...My father refuses to speak to me or let me see my sister cuz he's a bitter old man, so I send him and her birthday and christmas presents/cards and hope that at least she can remember that when she gets older. I've basically given up on my father, but at least I've done my part!

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

Steve — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:43:28 -0000

The Bible says to bring that person a gift. So maybe buy them an itunes gift card or a Starbucks gift card or something. Not a $5 one either...something of substance to both you and them.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

West — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:01:43 -0000

WOW! I'm not sure I can add anything that hasn't already been said, but wanted to chime in. I tend to agree that praying for, forgiving and serving are all perfect ways. If you're going to "kill them with kindness"...let's not do it with any other agenda than serving HIM and not the one who has offended.

Re: Ragamuffin Soul » Answer This

Lana — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:56:26 -0000

This is such a timely, thought-provoking question.
For what it's worth, I really recommend looking at peacemaker.net and getting their "peacemeal" devotionals and enews. And getting the book the author wrote. It's such great, biblical teaching that just doesn't register much on the radar screen of the church. It's not just about mediation, but about living out forgiveness. It is sooo where the rubber meets the road. Talk about "authenticity" -- facing up and honoring someone who has dishonored you, and the process involved...wow. Dang. I think sometimes you just have to do it in faith or obedience, as unto Jesus, because feelings are sooo fickle--when am I ever going to feel like doing it?

This weekend, I have a huge opportunity of honoring someone, and I'm going to keep that thought in my head--it's for You, Jesus, it's for You. Definitely will help to keep a smile on my face and a level of joy in my heart.

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Joanne — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:36:09 -0000

Pray for them, and forgive, even if you can't rebuild a connection.

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Jessica — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:44:41 -0000

I took this kind of a different way - took it as an assignment to honor someone today (like right now), to take action. So I honored someone that has caused me much heart ache and grief in my life. I sent a card to my pops thanking him for being my dad and for everything that he has taught me in and through his life.