(Previously titled Speaking the Truth Might Be Met With Anger)
It was a rough week! I was unprepared for the backlash I would receive when I shared with a fellow Christian my belief that a certain teaching was unBiblical. Instead of engaging in a dialogue, she attacked my character. I wasn’t expecting that.
Stating your beliefs can cause a torrent of judgment to rain down on your head when someone doesn’t like your view. It can feel traumatic, even when you know the accusations aren’t true. A vicious attack on your character can quickly cause you to grow weary and lose heart.
If this happens to you, the first thing you must do is PRAY. Next, read your Bible to see what God says about it. These are some verses the Lord brought to mind:
Paul said, “I care very little if I am judged by you or any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.” 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 NIV
“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.” Romans 14:4 NIV
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12 NIV
The Bible says we are to “speak the truth in love”. (Ephesians 4:15)
This means that we must speak the truth with gentleness because we love one another.
Some of you are standing against false beliefs that will bring attacks against you, too. Subjects like abortion, transgender ideology, and even doctrinal differences can elicit a strong response. Be strong! The fight for Truth is a spiritual battle.
If you are being judged unfairly, you’re in good company. Jesus was falsely accused of many things including blasphemy, inciting rebellion, violating the Sabbath law (by healing on the Sabbath); threatening to destroy the Jewish Temple; practicing sorcery, and exorcising people by the power of demons.
To the Galatians the Apostle Paul said,
“Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” Galatians 4:16 NIV
Be strong and courageous! You are not alone!
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV (emphasis mine)
Comment from Bereancrossroads:
“Ad hominem and even abusive ad hominem fallacious attacks are used by people who have no logical arguments. Quite common these days. The Bible says for us to come and reason together and we can do that from the Scripture especially among brethren. If the person does not want to, then we pray for that individual.
Our worth is not what people say or do to us but who we are in Christ Jesus! 😀✝️✝️✝️📖🙏”
(An ad hominem attack is an argument that attacks the person making a statement instead of the statement itself.)
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
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