apologizing, accepting...

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> I am curious though...Could you expound a little on this?
> I have heard many harsh messages preached.

Please be mindful that H-F ain't "church" and that you are not the
pastor here.  It's a place for witnessing, fellowshipping, testifying,
support and perhaps some sharing.  If people want to share their
theological insights or opinions, they are free to do that here too.
The primary focus, however, is meant to be social.

  Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another,
  love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for
  evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that
  ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
  [1 Peter 3:8-9]

Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen. :-(

Yes, there is a time and place for confrontational preaching, even here
on H-F I suppose.  But it does get a bit out of hand at times.

I like what 2 Timothy 2:22-24 says about the matter:

  Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith,
  charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a
  pure heart.

  But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that
  they do gender strifes.

  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle
  unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

Lord knows we have our share of "foolish and unlearned questions."
Scripture says to avoid those: when they crop up, it's not necessary to
address them.

  And of some have compassion, making a difference:  And others save
  with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment
  spotted by the flesh.  [Jude 22,23]

Yes, we are instructed at times to "save with fear," and at times to
make a difference with compassion.  John the Baptist was
confrontational.  Christ got angry at the money-changers.  But we are
also called to be meek in instructing those who oppose themselves that
they may recover themselves out fo the snare of the devil.

  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if
  God peradventure will give them repentance to the
  acknowledging of the truth;

  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of
  the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
  [2 Timothy 2:25-26]

> it can cut deep, and yet be every bit truth.

  Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of
  the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
  [Hebrews 5:2]

or like it says in Hezekiah 3:28-30

  Liken thou the Word of the Lord unto a loaf of Wonder Bread; that you
  give unto a man hungry for bread a single slice at a time, rather
  than thou shovest the entire loaf upon his countenance, lest ye
  suffocate thou he with the Bread.  Amen.

:-)

Richard "hope the delivery wasn't too cutting" Masoner