It is evident that actions which cause destruction, humiliation, brokenness, gossip, anger, and any form of an assault on someone’s integrity and identity are not of God, but of the devil.
For example, spreading rumors and engaging in gossip about someone’s personal life not only causes humiliation and brokenness but also goes against the values of love and respect that the Word of God promotes. Such actions serve to divide and harm individuals, perpetuating a cycle of antagonism and hurt. They are manifestations of the devil’s influence, as they undermine unity, compassion, and the preservation of one’s integrity and identity.
Our actions should reflect honesty, kindness, compassion, fairness, respect, and patience, as all of these qualities are encompassed by love. Instead of plotting against or acting/reacting against people, our role as ambassadors of the kingdom of God is to foster unity, protection, and fairness.
“Our actions speak louder than words, revealing the true nature of our character and the presence of light or darkness within us.”
Building upon that reflection, my question is whether, as Christians, we should resort to attacking and plotting against those with whom we disagree.
In today’s world, there are numerous adversaries of the Christian doctrine, both within and outside the church. It is not uncommon for harsh words and heated disagreements to arise when Christians seek to exert their influence and stand firm in their beliefs.
Many of these arguments, discussions, and even protests stem from a genuine desire to make the world more Christ-like. However, I question whether adopting the tactics of the Pharisees, who opposed Jesus to protect their religion, is the appropriate approach to influencing society today.
Here’s how they acted against Jesus:
Matthew 26:1-5 NIV
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, [2] “As you know, the Passover is two days away-and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” [3] Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, [4] and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. [5] “But not during the festival,” they said, “or there may be a riot among the people.”
The Pharisees’ tactics were to kill, mock, demoralize, and destroy anything and everything that would stand against both their way of living and their liturgy, and that distanced them from those in need of help and vice versa. However, as Christians, it is important for us to reflect on Jesus’ teachings and example. Jesus, in contrast to the Pharisees, demonstrated love, compassion, and selflessness.
Instead of resorting to violence or harsh tactics, Jesus reached out to the marginalized, offered healing and forgiveness, and taught his followers to love their enemies. As Christians, our appropriate response should align with Jesus’ teachings, emphasizing empathy, kindness, and a willingness to help others, even when they differ from us.
Rather than seeking to destroy or distance ourselves from those who disagree with us, we should strive to build bridges, foster understanding, and promote unity through acts of love and grace. An example of this can be seen in the story of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus teaches us to extend compassion and assistance to those in need, regardless of their background or beliefs.
I am not here to challenge the eternal values Jesus taught us, nor the fact that some of these values may conflict with worldly standards of living. Rather, I suggest that we strive to live in harmony with those who hold differing beliefs.
Instead of emulating the Pharisees who schemed in secret, distanced themselves, and harbored dislike for those who were different, we should pray for our enemies, serve and do good to those who attack us, and let our example, particularly the benevolent actions that flow from a heart filled with God’s goodness, influence the world.
For example, instead of engaging in aggressive confrontations or plotting against those who disagree with us, we can choose to engage in open and respectful dialogue. We can seek to understand their perspectives, empathize with their concerns, and find common ground where possible. By demonstrating love, compassion, and genuine interest in their well-being, we can build bridges of understanding and foster meaningful connections.
This approach aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who encouraged his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. Through our actions and attitudes, we can show the transformative power of Christ’s love and inspire others to consider the truth of the Gospel.
“Instead of attacking and plotting against those we disagree with, let us strive to be living examples of Christ’s love and compassion.”
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