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Culture barrier in dealing with others

coolboy1000gcoolboy1000g
edited December 1969 in Random Issues
how much weight do you place on what others say? or what are the occasions when you should consider the culture traditions when dealing with others?
As a servant, I find it difficult to limit my interactions with certain people because they are falsely labeled by the people. I believe that we should all be accepting each other no matter how it might affect us.
What I am trying to point to is that in the egyptian community, words/rummors spread quickly and many parents would advice that you do not hang out with so called "bad" people even if that was in the past and they are trying to be better. Would you refuse to help a needing soul because that will make you look bad or will give bad impressions about you
I want your advice on how to deal with certain situations, where you want to help others but afraid to do so

pray for me

Comments

  • minatasgeelminatasgeel
    [quote author=I am all yours Lord link=topic=8082.msg103836#msg103836 date=1244176788]
    how much weight do you place on what others say? or what are the occasions when you should consider the culture traditions when dealing with others?
    As a servant, I find it difficult to limit my interactions with certain people because they are falsely labeled by the people. I believe that we should all be accepting each other no matter how it might affect us.
    What I am trying to point to is that in the egyptian community, words/rummors spread quickly and many parents would advice that you do not hang out with so called "bad" people even if that was in the past and they are trying to be better. Would you refuse to help a needing soul because that will make you look bad or will give bad impressions about you
    I want your advice on how to deal with certain situations, where you want to help others but afraid to do so

    pray for me


    the general understanding is to stay away from other people. you can't lose your faith to gain others. you get to heaven then you get other with you. Saint Paul speaks of that clearly. don't consider this as a "stereotype" understanding and then go against it just be cause it is stereotype...it's a valid point that we ought to follow generally.

    other then what's above, this changes from one person to another. Not all are the same. not all have the same faith level despite their rank in Church.
  • coolboy1000gcoolboy1000g
    That is not what I meant, I am saying in this case that you wouldnt lose your eternal life. What I am trying to ask is how to deal with such a situation in which only your repuation might be put on the line.
  • Unknown
    "Do not worry about your reputation, for that defines what others think you are; instead worry about your actions, for they define what you are."

    :P This quote can be found on a bathroom wall in Little Tokyo.  (I think the wording is right)
  • minatasgeelminatasgeel
    [quote author=GArgiriadis link=topic=8082.msg103851#msg103851 date=1244232286]
    "Do not worry about your reputation, for that defines what others think you are; instead worry about your actions, for they define what you are."

    :P This quote can be found on a bathroom wall in Little Tokyo.  (I think the wording is right)


    i like it!!
  • Unknown
    Funny where you find useful advice sometimes, huh?  :D
  • peterfarringtonpeterfarrington
    Assuming it is not a matter of falling into sin..

    Php 2:5-11  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

    Father Peter
  • mabsootamabsoota
    amen.
    and this is something i heard in a sermon from an orthodox bishop:
    Jesus said 'come to me all you who are heavy laden'
    He did not say, come to me all you who are cool, who wash properly before coming to church, who are fun to hang out with.
    no, He calls to Himself the bad, the depressed, the tired out, the ugly and the sinners.
    so we should do likewise, and bring these people to Jesus our Lord and Saviour through our words, our deeds and our prayers.
  • coolboy1000gcoolboy1000g
    I agree with everything that was posted and I completely believe that as servants we should look for those who need to be served not those who are in no need. But what would you tell your parents or elders when they tell you that people talk about you and all that. Lets say that you know a person who is struggling over many sins and havent been to church much and his/her reputation is bad, what would be the best way to get him involved in the church more. would you talk to that person and make him feel comfortable (making sure you dont sin) or would you let the priest deal with it? Would you listen and take the blessing of being obedient to your parents or would you rather continue serving?
  • mabsootamabsoota
    let them talk. let them see the light of Christ in your eyes and the assurance that you are doing God's will in your heart. let them get confused by this.
    you see we have the choice; do we advance the kingdom of God or do we run a cosy social club?
    i know what you mean, i've seen churches like this, protestant and orthodox.
    right now, i know someone (coptic) who has a terrible 'reputation' starting a group for young people who are fed up with church and going astray to come and socialise and have some of their difficult questions answered.
    matthew 16:18 Jesus said ' i will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it'
    no-where does it say 'i will build my church and if you all stay locked inside pretty buildings and keep out all the bad guys, you will just about survive'
    sorry this may come across as a bit harsh, but i get upset seeing Christians hold back from really good deeds by these kind of thoughts.
  • the_leastthe_least
    [quote author=I am all yours Lord link=topic=8082.msg103871#msg103871 date=1244269922]
    Would you listen and take the blessing of being obedient to your parents or would you rather continue serving?

    i have the least experience out of everyone here but i will share my thoughts anyways

    i think if your parents knew your intentions, they would not stop you one bit but rather encourage you.

    also, make sure that you know this thought is from God. you must be able to discern the thoughts. part of the discernment process is revealing your thoughts to your father of confession.

    pray for my weak soul
  • coolboy1000gcoolboy1000g
    Thank you mabsoota for your reply, I completely agree with it. I sometimes feel limited when something like this happens; other people and me want to help but we cant. I believe that the word of god should reach everyone especially the lost sheep. The sheperd left his 99 sheep and went searching for one; God came for the sick who need the physician not the healthy who can survive on their own.
    My parents and father of confession know my intentions most of the time but my parents (raised with egyptian culture) sometimes believe that it is better left for other servants to reach to those in need.
    I really hope that we can all focus in our service towards those who are in real need and cant reach christ without a helping hand and lets all start one at a time and try to reverse some of the bad habits that are present in our community that might inhibit the word of God from reaching their destination
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