When should we say "enough is enough"?

[Mick]

Although the Bible tells us to spread the word, with passages such as this in 2 Tim ch 2:-"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 senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." (2 Tim 2:26),we are also told not to waste our time if they won't listen:- "Don't yoke yourself with unbelievers,for what do light and darkness have in common?" (2 Cor 6:14)  
"Don't let unbelievers into your house or bid them God speed" (2 John 9:11)
 "Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Cor 15:33)
 Jesus said:- "Don't cast your pearls before swine,lest they trample them and attack you" (Matt 7:6)
"Avoid foolish questions,contentions and persistent heretics" (Titus 3:9-11)
"Withdraw from proud disputers" (1 Tim 6:3-5)
 "Keep away from profane babblers" (1 Tim 6:20/21)
"Come out from among them and be my sons and daughters" (2 Cor 6:17/18)
Paul set an excellent example:- "The Jews argued with him,so Paul said 'I'm clear of my responsibility' and left" (Acts 18:6) and I just wonder what other peoples views are?
My own view is that if we hang around with unbelievers for too long,their bad vibes are definitely bad for us.Remember how Jesus had to clear the scoffers and their bad vibes out of the room before he could bring that dead little girl back to life?
At what point do we "give up" on persistent unbelievers and wash our hands of them lest their wrong mindset begins to drag us down?

[michael_legna]

I think it all depends on your own confidence in your own faith and understanding of the Gospel. Paul made a point that it was ok to eat the food offered to idols as long as you knew it meant nothing because the idol was nothing.  But he went on to warn that you should not let your confidence and liberty mislead someone who might not be so sure in their faith.  So it is clear that there are differing levels of faith in terms of the trials one can withstand.

I am sure those on this forum who teach faith is from God will say otherwise, that you cannot lose your faith so there is no risk of what you worry about, but then I do not know how they answer the purpose of the verses you offer.

[hilkiah]

As one new to this forum, but not new to forum debates, I have come to see the futility in debating with those who only wish to devour your pearls.

However, there are ppl out there who still wish to have fruitful discussions. The best method is to test them first with the appropriate questions to see whether they are genuinely seeking for truth or snaring you into their trap.

I wish not to argue or debate when no ground is gained, in fact, the bible teaches us not to do so.

However, in our pure conversation, we may be able to bring to light nuggets of truth for someone who is truly on a quest of learning. In this sense, we remember 1pet 3:15 but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: [being] ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear:

[nChrist]

Oklahoma Howdy to Hilkiah,

First, welcome to Christians Unite. I sincerely hope you enjoy the Christian fellowship here.

Second, you gave excellent advice.

In Christ,
Tom

[hilkiah]

blackeyedpeas.

Thank you for that welcome and complement. I'll try not to disappoint you.

BTW, you from Oklahoma? Then I'm your neighbor from Arkansas.

[Reba]

Re:When should we say "enough is enough"?

When Tom puts on the lock box  

Welcome to the forums guys!

The battles of the forums and chats have sent me to research scripture. I have learned much and pray i learn more.

Many thanks to those who give of their time to keep these places nice.

[Heidi]

I've been debating with atheists for months now and even though I knew that they were not listening, I still kept going back. We cannot "decide" to stop throwing pearls. We only quit when the interest is gone. I am now not interested because they keep asking the same questions over and over again with no resolution because they can only understand what they understand. My interest is gone. Hopefully I will be able to more quickly spot the non-seekers next time and quit sooner.

[ebia]

I've been debating with atheists for months now and even though I knew that they were not listening, I still kept going back. We cannot "decide" to stop throwing pearls. We only quit when the interest is gone. I am now not interested because they keep asking the same questions over and over again with no resolution because they can only understand what they understand. My interest is gone. Hopefully I will be able to more quickly spot the non-seekers next time and quit sooner.

It could be that your "pearls" are a bit tarnished.

[nChrist]

Oklahoma Howdy to Heidi,

Welcome back. It's great to see you posting on the board again. Please don't pay any attention to the "tarnished pearls" comment coming from one without any pearls.

In Christ,
Tom

[2nd Timothy]

I've been debating with atheists for months now and even though I knew that they were not listening, I still kept going back. We cannot "decide" to stop throwing pearls. We only quit when the interest is gone. I am now not interested because they keep asking the same questions over and over again with no resolution because they can only understand what they understand. My interest is gone. Hopefully I will be able to more quickly spot the non-seekers next time and quit sooner.

I can relate to this.  Sometimes I think its hard to give up because you feel as though you letting the Lord down and loosing the debate when you know He is right.  While patience is a must in some cases, other times its better to sit back and let Gods truth do its work.  The holy spirit is able to work without our assistance.

You don't need to win the debate, just plant the seed and let the Holy Spirit do the rest  

Grace and Peace!

[Heidi]

Exactly, Timothy. You hit the nail right on the head!

Thanks, black-eyed peas. I'ts good to among Christians again!

[Symphony]

Welcome back Heidi.  I appreciate your pearls here!  


Yes, as Reba says above, thank you to those who give of their time here to make the site nice...  


As for Mick's question, I think it just comes with experience and with training in the Word.  And with walking "in the Word".

[Heidi]

Thanks, Symphony.

[hilkiah]

Nevertheless, we must surmise when more damage than good is being done in the debate. Oftentimes, these kinds of debates can cause much distress and hurt feelings among both the unbelievers and new Christians.

At the same time, ppl who mostly read the comments may be learning things they wouldn't have otherwise.

Even so, we must use wisdom in order to find that justifiable balance.

[nChrist]

Nevertheless, we must surmise when more damage than good is being done in the debate. Oftentimes, these kinds of debates can cause much distress and hurt feelings among both the unbelievers and new Christians.

At the same time, ppl who mostly read the comments may be learning things they wouldn't have otherwise.

Even so, we must use wisdom in order to find that justifiable balance.

Oklahoma Howdy to Hilkiah,

I agree completely. I think the best discussions are those that please God and honor Him. I think the key in pleasing God is to discuss in Christian love. However, there are times for boldness and times for rebuke. Praying for guidance and discernment appears to be all important to find that justifiable balance you spoke of.

A message could and should either point the lost to Christ or build and edify those who are saved. It's a shame that some such messages are hidden in hate or vain dispute. I think we should all pray about this on a regular basis.

Love In Christ,
Tom