May you have peace!
A couple/few things, if I may - thank you! First, I am not sure where my response questioned your love for your neighbor; indeed, I don't believe I addressed you at all (although you could be Cthulhu and I'm just unaware). Second, that you are supporting your friend by patronizing his business is, IMHO, very commendable. Extremely. Indeed, your doing so is an obvious demonstration of your regard for his talents, if not your actual love of his person (of course, you could just give him some money... or food... if that's what he really needs, you know, without actually having him do a tattoo... or provide some other service... in which case he could, you know, save his ink/supplies... and time... for someone else. But supporting his business is good, too, particularly if you don't wish to offend his sense of pride and honor, which is entirely understandble. Either way, I say GOOD for you... and go for it! And I do mean all of this with all sincerity).
On another note, entirely, because I was away close to a year, you know, living a bit of "life" and so thought perhaps some things had changed, I did go and re-review the posting "rules" (I'm a little, OCD-ish that way - I try to conduct myself properly when I'm in someone else's "house," which I consider this forum to be). And while some things have changed (albeit relatively little, from what I can tell, praise JAH), I did not find anywhere that said one HAS to specifically answer/respond to the particular question(s) posted. Indeed, a review of several posts seem to indicate that on occasion (well, quite often, actually), responses do NOT specifically address the question(s) posed. Indeed, some don't even address the actual topic raised. I don't believe that was the case here, though.
To set your mind at ease (which, judging by your response, it wasn't), however, dear Lillith, I'd like to explain my response (not that I need to, of course, but I do so out of love for you, as you obviously don't know me or why I posted as I did, and so perhaps doing so will help you to respond a little more appropriately... if not kindly... or perhaps not at all, in the future... which would be fine with me):
I usually post what I do to help those who wish to know the BIBLICAL "rule" (not that such matters at all, as I have come to know, but there are many who are still "bound" by such things as well as some who still "search" the "scriptures" for such information)... as well as those who wish to understand the SPIRITUAL "rule" (which does matter, at least to those "wishing" to understand the TRUTH regarding such things). That is the reason I come here and have been posting as long as I have: there are those who, although perhaps no longer infatuated with the WTBTS, still want to know what the Bible says/teaches... and/or what is the TRUTH... about certain matters.
The fact that the question even came up (i.e., someone's mother may take issue due to her conscicence) indicates that perhaps more is required than just a response as to what the WTBTS may or may not do. I mean, who really cares what they may or may not do? Only those still in some kind of bondage (regardless of how slight) to her. Perhaps that includes dear Cthulhu, based on his/her question (can they DF for tattoos?) Perhaps you. Rather than worrying about what those false prophets may or may not do about one sporting a tattoo, however, perhaps such one needs to know why they [the WTBTS] shouldn't have a say one way or the other. Because KNOWING this might actually help such one [Cthulhu] become FREE of his/her FEAR of such an action (DF'ing).
And who am I to withhold such information? I am a servant to the Household of God... to all those that go with them... and to all of mankind. And through holy spirit I became aware that perhaps someone was actualy "residing" in fear with regard to this subject. Since love casts ALL fear outside, and I am obligated to show love to ALL of mankind... I offered... out of love... the TRUTH of the matter. In the hopes that perhaps such one might become FREE of his/her fear... at least in this case. And I offered it FREE... because I receive(d) it FREE. Which is further demonstration of my love for such one. I receive no benefit from it: he/she can take it... or leave it... as he/she sees fit. But were I to sit tight and keep the truth of the matter to myself (hey, it's not my life/conscience/fear/bondage, so what do I care?)... where is the love in that?
Now, I totally understand that there are some, including you, perhaps, who don't have the desire, patience, mind... or heart... to "hear" such things. Absolutely NO problem, none whatsoever! I do not judge you, not in the least. I totally get that. However, out of my love for YOU... and in order to make this easier for YOU... perhaps I can offer you a little truth, as well: you do not need to read what I post. Not at all. Truly, I assure you, I would take NO offense, absolutely none, whatsoever, if you chose to to ignore, skip over, and otherwise disregard anything that I post, if indeed you have the desire, mind... and heart... to do so. Really. Feel... well, "free."
YOUR servant... and a slave of Christ,
SA
