What would you do if someone verbally attacked you for your faith in Christ? How should we respond or should we even be concerned about such possibilities? Let’s explore the Bible together for direction/answers to these questions.
“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers [and sisters], be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. … 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 5:8-9, 15-16 (NIV)
Not only are we to be prepared to respond to these types of questions about our hope/faith, but we are to do it in love. Can you picture a two way conversation where one participant is in the attack mode and the other is responding in love? Example:
(Attacker) HOW CAN ANYONE BELIEVE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING! IT’S ALL A BUNCH OF RUBISH!
(Responding in love) We believe the Bible is God’s word, and I would like to share with you what God tells us on this subject.
Hard to picture isn’t it. We must leave judgment to Jesus and inwardly, with the help of the Holy Spirit, pray for their soul as the discussion evolves.
[Jesus teaches] “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. … Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 5:11-12 & 7:1-2 (NIV)
This spiritual warfare is against all Christians regardless of their age, and it is increasingly targeting school age children. As head-of-households, we need to equip all of our family members with Bible-based truths to enable them to combat these attacks on their faith.
Nancy Ruth’s publication “Worldview Series, The Answer Book, A Devotional for Busy Families” is an excellent resource to help you prepare your family for this spiritual warfare. Her to-be-published devotionals will also be excellent resources.
