Dear Susan,

While I would have rather had this discussion with you in private I'll respond to your reply here since you have made your comments openly.

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Susan wrote:

Rightly or wrongly,I was offended by what I perceived to be Joe's provocative comments to Steve…….

I regard you as a godly woman and a true Sister in the Lord. However your perception changed the focus of the discussion on this thread. The discussion was no longer on the topic but on Joe's motives.


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…….I think it is unhelpful to judge the motives of those of us who saw this differently than you do and to accuse us of "Joe Bashing". (How charitable is that characterization?)

Now you're doing the same thing regarding my comments. I regret that since you don’t appreciate the message you are resorting to attacking the messenger. I know we don't always understand each other as well as we should but we shouldn't resort to assessments of one's character or intentions. I assure you my comments were motivated by love for those participating in this discussion. I have an appreciation for everyone who was posting in this thread. I was hopeful that the verses I quoted at the bottom of my post would have been a wake up call for those making hurtful personal comments.

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While I do have the greatest respect for you and for Joe, I don't think it is helpful to judge your brothers and sisters regarding our motives.

Then please don't do it. As I have told you in private this thread became contentious when it was no longer discussing the different views of the paedobaptists and the credobaptists but resorted to bashing Joe. I would have thought that since Joe has made it clear that your perceptions were wrong that these sort of comments would end.

Unfortunately we have left a vibrant discussion between Joe and Steve which quite frankly I was enjoying reading to discuss our perceptions of who’s being the nice guy here. Didn’t you even read my comments about grieving the Holy Spirit?

My dear Sister let's be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as Christ has forgiven us.


Wes


When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts