Bernie,
"Shame" in the biblical context is a social issue, not a personal one.
That is "shame" means "loosing the respect of your social group" - it's "having a good reputation" or "being held in high esteem by others".
It most certainly does NOT mean "feeling ashamed" - THAT is a distortion brought about by the distortion of Western individualism. Indeed, the thing about "shame" as the Bible understands it is that the "shamed" party doesn't need to acknowledge that they have a poor reputation - all that matters is the assessment of others.
So when two people have a confrontation it's the one who looses respect in the eyes of others who is "shamed".
As a result you have totally misread the application of 1 Peter 3:14-16 in this situation. The issue isn't what YOU think about George's response it's what OTHERS think about George's response. More than that - and the point you seem to be blithely unaware of - the issue is what others think about YOU in light of YOUR interaction with George (and others).
On that I make no comment, but you can bet I have an opinion.
Blessings,
Murray
Dehler, Bernie wrote:
> May I remind you (and others who like to write pissy comments):
>
> 1 Peter 3:14-16 (New International Version)
> 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
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Received on Thu Oct 22 18:32:32 2009
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