How to Respond When Your Faith Is Mocked

https://www.charismamag.com/blogs/fire-in-my-bones/26171-how-to-respond-when-your-faith-is-mocked

In this world of social media outrage and shout-a-thon talk shows, we Christians think we have the right to jump in the ring and scream like everyone else to prove our point. But that wasn't Jesus' strategy when He was arrested, stripped naked, scourged and interrogated. When Jesus was being reviled, 1 Peter 2:23 says, "He did not revile back; when He suffered, He did not threaten."

Jesus either answered plainly or kept His mouth shut. He trusted the Father to vindicate Him. If you are mocked for your faith, keep your cool and bite your lip. Don't let angry people push your button. God will give you wise words to say if you let His love control your tongue.

Before you speak with a local abortionist, a gay activist or an atheist professor, adjust your heart before God. Jesus said we must (1) love those who attack us and (2) pray for them. Praying for those who are hostile to your beliefs will enable you see them from God's perspective. He loves people—even those who mock Him. So should we. After you've corrected your attitude, you are more likely to say words that are inspired by the Holy Spirit.

I've been mocked for my Christian faith many times over the years. I've been called narrow-minded, fanatical, judgmental, Puritanical, Medieval, homophobic, Neanderthal and several choice words I can't print here. I don't hate the people who said those things. Instead, I pray they will discover the same mercy I found in Christ—and I pray they find it before they face Him when this life is over