Hidden anger
One member decided to expose my sin by calling me a sinner but not saying in regard to what.
His intention was to bring me down, because he felt I was a sinless perfectionist, and he felt the idea that we could have faith and be enemies of God was a lie of satan, so I was working for hell, and should be brought down.
Scripture is clear. Brothers and sisters in Christ are washed clean and purified, brought into the Kingdom, and unless we know of actual sin, we are to treat them as dearly beloved people of God. It is even stronger than this, to condemn a brother or sister in Christ, is to stand in judgement over Gods work, and be worthy of judgement from God Himself.
And what justified this behaviour? I suggested God changed us so we can walk in love here on earth, as a testimony to His Holy Spirit working within us. I never claimed perfection, but rather we can walk with Jesus in His grace, getting cleansed and closer to His walk each step. But to suggest this was even possible, or the goal of discipleship for them was works salvation and the gospel of satan.
It turns out these folk often are ex-strict and particular baptists, legalists, who had in a past time justified themselves as having arrived through conformity to a group lifestyle and identity. Often a life event caused this faith to collapse, leading them to leaving the group, followed by a conversion to free grace, faith with no testimony, as true grace. The life they describe prior to their new belief is OCD guilt and condemnation, followed by superiority of arriving at the blissful state of being right.
The anger they bear against their prior legalistic group, runs so deep, any words one speaks that makes a connection and identification to this other group lets this hatred spew out. So I was worse than a murderer, so obviously deserved to die. Some got so angry they had to stop communicating with me.
But literally all I shared is what I have included here, quoting simply Jesus changes us, from the heart to skin.
And these folk know scripture from their childhood and were the most thorough legalists you could have.
But they have no clue about heart love, or transformation, or freedom from loneliness and the light of His life working in them. Loving their enemies, ie me, is clearly not something they understand, or the damage their accusations are making. And without an open heart or something with empathy or being touched, whatever I say or share made no difference. I tried the most heart stirring issues or stories, but nothing connected. It was like having a bullet proof attacker dressed as a believer but with no conscience. Because I was so evil, whatever harm they did to me made no difference. A little ironic that, testifying to the giver of love and life, but caring nothing for the harm or upset you do to another. But if you are blind to the monster within, you are blind to the monstorous behaviour that testifies that God does not dwell in ones life.
My testimony is without opening the door, these folk are forever lost, caught in their own emotional remaking of need and gospel hope, which excludes heart resolution and the giving of life and freedom to their emotional reality.
God bless you