Page 29 - The Road from Babylon to Zion

boy? I think not. He knew the heart of God and did not rejoice to see his
adversary stricken.

What of those who were with Saul? Did David seek to destroy them all
because they had stood in opposition to him at some point? No! We
even know that he would have made Abner and Amasa commanders in
his army, but Joab, who was less righteous and less forgiving, slew
these men whom David would have elevated over his head. Are you not
rather being as Joab when you despise all those who are in the CRS and
who are in the process of coming out of her? If God is willing to show
patience and to grant them further time to repent and flee from Sodom,
who are we to not show the same patience and forbearance?

No, I am not saying to water down the message. I am not saying to
make peace with Sodom. I do not advocate any type of compromise with
evil. But I say if Christ gave His very life for these same ones, should we
not go out of our way to effect their deliverance? “Brethren, even if a
man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one
in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be
tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

I know all too well that by the judgment I judge others, I too will be
judged. This is reason enough to be patient and to seek to restore even
those who are standing in opposition to themselves. Did I see the light
because of my great wisdom? Did you? Was it not rather that God in
His mercy revealed truth to us, while we were yet His enemies?

I will continue to stand against evil and to proclaim truth as God guides
me. I will not shut my heart against my brother until God tells me to.
This is all I would encourage you to do and consider as well...

We must be diligent to preserve the bonds of love and peace.

Ephesians 4:1-3
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner
worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility
and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in
love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of
peace.

Sadly, I was unable to persuade this brother to walk in love. I then wrote to the man
who had created the website and discussion group, with the hope of persuading him
to rein in those who were using his site to badger and belittle and insult others. I