Have you visited a Facebook Christian group page?
If you did, you would know that the scenario below is prevalent.
Someone asks a question about religion, and it sparks arguments and endless debates. Conversations turn into cursing. It is surprising how quickly things escalate on a Christian page.
Christians are the ambassadors of Jesus. We have the responsibility to represent Jesus to people in the best way possible.
The Bible says:
Romans 2:1
New International Version (NIV)
1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
The verse above clearly says that we should not judge others because we will end up condemning ourselves.
Let us say Mark is gay. The Bible clearly states that homosexuality is a sin. However, we cannot just say that Mark is evil, and we are better than him. We should not use the Bible to judge or condemn anyone, even when a doctrine is apparent.
We also know that all have sinned and fallen short to the glory of God. That is everyone, including ourselves.
Here is another verse.
Luke 6:37
New International Version
37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
We should not judge because we are all sinners. We are not different from one another.
The problem with us is that we put sin in hierarchies and categories. God does not do that. Sin is sin. If one is guilty of breaking one law, he is guilty of breaking all the commands. Only people put sin in categories.
James 2:10-11
English Standard Version
10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
Let me clear this; I am not saying that we compromise our faith and not do anything. We just need to think about what Jesus would do in this situation.
Jesus is about love, mercy, and grace. That is who He is first before anything. He came to save the world first before becoming the judge. Jesus alone has the right to judge people. We are called to love and encourage one another.
What are we supposed to do?
Mark 2:15-17
New International Version
15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.
16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
1. We Should Build Relationships.
That is what Jesus did in his ministry. He saw sinners daily, and instead of judging them, he dined with them. Sinners love the company of Jesus, and they followed Him around.
The people who hated and killed Jesus were the self-righteous ones, the experts of the law.
But Jesus, He loved the sinners. Jesus' love turned people into repentance.
And that is what we should do as Christians. We should build relationships with people if we want them to follow Jesus.
2. We Should Not Argue.
2 Timothy 2:23-24
New International Version
23 Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
We should not engage in debates online. We cannot change people's hearts by arguing with them. We also misrepresent Jesus if we value doctrines over people.
Remember, Jesus, fulfilled the commands for us. We are not saved through our work because Jesus finished the job.
We must encourage people to believe and have a relationship with Jesus.
3. We Should Be an Example.
1 Timothy 4:12
New International Version
12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
The best way to influence people is to set an example.
We should glorify God with how we live. Our lives and actions should demonstrate God's love.
Living a Godly life is the best way to share Jesus.
Let Us Sum It Up
People make mistakes, that includes you and me. And because all of us fell short of God's holiness, Jesus saved us.
Since everyone is saved by grace, no one can judge other people.
We should focus on encouraging and empowering others.
Prayer of Salvation
Friend, if you want to know Jesus, but you are unsure of your standing in faith, say this prayer. God sees your heart, so say the words with conviction and faith.
"Father, I am a sinner. Forgive my sins. I believe that Jesus died on the cross so I could live fully on earth and in heaven. Change my heart and mind according to your will. This I pray, in the mighty Name of Jesus, amen."
Friend, if you prayed this prayer in faith, I believe you have set things right with God.
If you want to grow in faith, find a Bible-based church. You can also reach out to me through my social media platforms and this website, www.high3r.com. I would love to hear from you.
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