What’s a Christian to Say when spoken against?
In recent posts, I raised the questions about how we, as Christians, should respond spoken against. I felt the need to back up a bit and talk about
And now, the final point.
Return good for evil when spoken out against.
Not everyone is going to respond to you in kindness and fall to their knees in repentance. As a matter of fact, your very life could be a thorn to them and they may lash out with more cruelty and hatred. We should actually expect this kind of reaction. After all, how did they react to Jesus? They killed Him, so why should we expect anything less?
But don’t take this personally.
It is Christ they are rejecting, not you. Remember when the Israelites wanted a king, like the pagan nations? Samuel was heart-broken, but God reminded him that the people were rejecting Him, not Samuel.
And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 1 Samuel 8:7
We must continue in love. Continue to pray for them. Treat them with kindness. And God will bless us for this.
” Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.”
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!
In Conclusion, let us have the attitude of Christ put forth in Philippians 2 which will one day lead to everyone bowing down before Christ.
Pastor’s Wife (retired) & Chronic Pain Warrior blogs about how to make it through anything by relating her own life experiences to her writing. She is passionate about her love for the Lord and desires to spread that passion to others. She has a great desire to encourage women who are following behind her.
Great thought provoking posts!
Mandy, it is so hard to speak kindness to those who persecute you, but this so Biblical. Thank you for the important reminder.
Thank you Tara!
Yes. I often remind myself of the old adage WWJD. He is the great example.