As a christians is it wrong to be blunt and direct when commenting on Hubs or an

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   graceinusposted 12 years ago

   As a christians is it wrong to be blunt and direct when commenting on Hubs or any other time?
   
   I have no problems being blunt and direct when making my comments on Hubs. There may be some who consider it rude. So if this is true, when Jesus Christ called Scribes and Priests "vipers", was he being blunt or rude?

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   Ericdierkerposted 12 years ago

   Rude occurs when there is no sympathy or empathy. Here is the test; are you speaking to convince, cajole or win or are you trying to help someone understand? Sometimes rudeness helps another to wake up and engage and think. Certainly we think this is what Christ was doing.
   Remember also, the accounts of Christ, the Gospels are very short. If you fill in the blanks with the negative you kind of miss the point of what is covered.
   
   So in answer I say you must be adult about it. Blunt and direct are appropriate sometimes and not sometimes. Notice Jesus used the harsh words on folks who thought a great deal of themselves and were in high position and testing him. I doubt he spoke that way to children. Notice here that I was not blunt and direct.

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      graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Ericdierker- you wisdom continues to impress me. It is always my hope that what comment we read it causes us to think first. I like to think that be blunt and direct is just the rough side of being honest.

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   snapbackbettyposted 12 years ago

   I think the old saying "the truth hurts" is so true. When being blunt or direct it may not be meant to sound harsh but whatever was said is true and depending on the person it's said to, that is going to make all the difference in how it's taken. Some people will get offended where others will take it as being straight to the point and understand. I agree with Ericdierker. Some people need blunt and direct and some need things to be sugar coated because they don't quite know how to take positive criticism.

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      graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It's never my intent to belittle anyone in my coments , but at times it may come out sounding like it. And like you said , " even when the truth hurts". And this even applies when it's directed at me. Thanks snapbackbetty.

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   ReneeDC1979posted 12 years ago

   I say the word rude is subjective.  Everyone's definition is different.  I find in general I can be very blunt, straight to the point and honest on HubPages and in general conversation.  I would not consider it rude.  I think with a forum such as this you have to be prepared for the "harsher" comments to flow because you are presenting your thoughts and views to a mass of anonymous people.  I say anonymous because other than our legitimate pictures and profiles, we don't know each other from Adam or Eve.  People tell me I can be harsh or mean because I am so honest.  But, I think they also respect me for my honesty because they don't have to question, "is she telling me the truth?"  I say be honest.  Tell people how you really feel.  If they like it, great.  If they don't, great.  You can't please everyone.  As long as you konw you are not doing it with ill-intentions, but a desire to help someone, then you are fine.

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      graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Your right. To be honest a person we sometimes need to be blunt or direct to hto help others. We can't or shouldn't surger coat our opinions just to make one feel better. Many thanks ReneeDC1979

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      ReneeDC1979posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for the vote graceinus

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      graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      God bless you and to all those who answered.

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   JThomp42posted 12 years ago

   As a fellow Christian, I know exactly what you are saying. Rude? Try not to be. But, I can understand how hard it is not to be when you are getting the same. As Christians, we are very convicted by our beliefs. But, we must remember to try and kill them with kindness. WWJD?

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   jennshealthstoreposted 12 years ago

   I think that there is a difference between being honest and being mean. You can definitely give your opinion and speak your mind in a kind manner and still get your point across.

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      Ericdierkerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Exactly Jennshealtstore, The ego drive the negative, compassion drives the positive. I am lucky, through years of work, when I am mean I laugh at myself. We all know what mean is.

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      graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I can't count how many times someone has lied just to be nice. I see many christians that have done this just to spare someones feelings. If one can alway be nice and honest then great, I'm all for it.  Thanks jennshealthstore

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   MrBecherposted 12 years ago

   You should always be as nice as you can be. Sometimes a little sass is good for exciting conversation, but if you're blatantly calling someone stupid, then Dios may not be so forgiving.

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      CJ Sledgehammerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I can find no fault with your answer. :0)

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      graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      MrBecher- I fully agree.

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   CJ Sledgehammerposted 12 years ago

   It has been said that one should never use a hammer when a feather will do.

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      PlanksandNailsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Are  you saying that "tickling" is sometimes a better approach to getting your point across?  When a feather is wielded, it is definitely a less blunt approach

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      CJ Sledgehammerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Right on, Planks!!!  :0)  I think good judgement needs to be employed at all times, thus one should never come out stronger than is necessary. We need to dilute the potency of our words with love whenever applicable, but sometimes the truth stings.

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      graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I believe we should alway be honest regardless of which way it's going to fall. Being good and nice should always be our goal, but not at the risk of misleading or lying to someone. So I'll use a feather or a hammer, which ever one is honest..

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      CJ Sledgehammerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      And, I will use a feather, hammer or sledgehammer whenever it is needed. At the end of the day, truth should never be compromised in the diluted waters of diplomacy. Sometimes there is no easy way to soften the blow, because the truth can hurt.

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      graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed.

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      PlanksandNailsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Augustine said people love truth when it enlightens, but hate it when it convicts.

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      CJ Sledgehammerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Planks...I think I will submit that juicy little nugget to memory. :0)

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      celafoeposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      some times it takes a file, others a course stone, others a fine stone and other just a touch with a steel is necessary, the tool must fit the the job to be done.  If the file or course stone is used its followed bywhat is necessary to finish the job

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   SwordofManticorEposted 12 years ago

   Nothing is wrong with being blunt or direct about ones belief as long as the nine fruits of the law of love is applied to it.

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      graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      What is this nine fruits of the law. I have not heard of this.

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      SwordofManticorEposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I mean 7 fruits, not 9, and the are from Gal 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

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      graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for pointing this out to me Swordof ManticoE. I learned something new today.

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    Deepes Mindposted 12 years ago

    There is a difference between being blunt or direct and attacking a person and their views in my opinion. I strive as best as I can to give my opinion of the subject being discussed, not my opinion of someone else's opinion. That's the fundamental reason why it is difficult for some to carry on a discussion. A discussion become a debate when an opinion is offered on an opinion of something. Once that is done, then opinions become defended

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       graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Deep Minds- Every opinion, regardless of the subject, is based on belief. It is not always a requirement to have facts or proof for ones opinion.The absent of proof does not make the opinion right or wrong. In many cases opinions are based on faith.

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       Deepes Mindposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I agree. What I mean is that If we're discussing a subject (like greatest boxer). If you say it's Mike Tyson, then it would be wrong for me to say your OPINION is stupid. Instead, if I disagree, then i would say "I disagree, Ali rules, here is why.

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       CJ Sledgehammerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I agree that it's important to argue the opinion and not turn to personal attacks. This is easier said than done because some people have a hard time separating themselves from their behaviors and opinions. Some even consider their opinions sacred.

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       graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I have found myself falling into the trap of commenting in anger. Because of this I try to avoid arguing. Healthy opinions are good to talk about provided we all can keep our cool. In some cases being blunt and honest  to make our point is important.

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    Seanarposted 12 years ago

    I think that it is less so a matter of right or wrong, and more so a matter of prudent, or foolish.  The ultimate ends of the Christian in dialogue is (A) the glorification of God, and (B) the enhancement of the gospel.  Also, please note, these two are not entirely separate, and the more you go into it, the closer they will seem to being the same.  However, Back to the question - I think that sometimes it is most wise to come gently into a conversation.  Jesus called the pharisees vipers, but he didn't approach everyone that way, even though we all are.  He is always honest though, and that is something that we should mirror.  My greatest suggestion would be to think critically and creatively before answering a question, and give people the benefit of the doubt as often as possible.  Love your neighbor, and remember that love is hopeful.  From my personal experience, when you leave someone a gentle response, when a harsh one may have been more applicable, they'll still come back at you as if you had heaped hot coals on their head, and you'll know.  And from that point, you can continue the conversation a bit more bluntly.  Does that make sense?

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       graceinusposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I prefer all my comment to be kind in nature, however being blunt and direct is an option I never rule out. There's the right time a place for it. As a christian the most important of any comment is honesty. And you're right,  it make sense. Thanks.

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       CJ Sledgehammerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Seanar: Thanks for the thoughtful response to a difficult question. I think you are right and it would be ideal if every Christian could remain truthful and gentle. Sometimes a Christian is called to rebuke or reproach and this threatens the ideal.

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       celafoeposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       Prov 15:10    10 Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way,
       And he who hates correction will die.

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