Tomi, it's like this: we cannot continue forgiving people if they choose to continue an attempt to harm others. On occasion, I'll share a passage that's applicable. This is Titus 3:10 (NIV), "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them." Okay, so what does that mean? Aren't we supposed to love without condition and do whatever we can to give them the Gift of Christ? I believe that this passage is literal.

There are people who are searching and asking questions. I'm still asking questions, and I always will. But, I'm open to learning. Sometimes, people ask rhetorical questions or they get involved in a chase-your-tail scenario where they have no interest in the Word, whatsoever, but they want to see someone run in circles trying to bring them to Christ. Well, this is the way out of that. I can walk away from someone, without malice, and speak to the next person. I don't feel that God wants us to "keep trying" to catch the most divisive fish. Why is that one more valued than someone who really wants to seek Christ?

This is also a good guide when it comes to someone that we care about in our family or our lives that has wronged us in some way, either by word or deed. We approach that person, let them know what was wrong, and go on. Then, again. The third time they continue doing the same thing, then it is wise and prudent to shun that person, without malice.

The Amish are famous for the practice of shunning. This is the most grievous of all punishments with the exception of being expelled from the society. People really do not understand how deep this punishment goes. It means that nobody can speak to this person under any circumstances. They cannot accept anything from their hands, like a folded shirt, or a dish of food. They cannot eat with these people, or any other daily activity that requires any acknowledgement of their existence. They cannot look that person in the eye for any reason. It is a very harsh punishment to "be" and to not be acknowledged as a living human being. It's not even that they treat this person as if they have died. They treat this person as if they had never existed, and this is a very painful punishment.

So, for you, Tomi, the path is right at your feet. Don't be afraid to take some steps. Once you get that inertia going, it's a blessed path regardless of what lies ahead.