Bible Question:
How much should i rebuke? Sometimes when conversing with non-Christians, it is easy to talk with love when they are nice, but how about it when they challenge you? with quotes like XYZ country is a FREE COUNTRY, you should respect our rights to choose,or you are threatening our freedom by implying that we are all DEAD spiritually Matthew 7:6 Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. does this mean that I should stop when they challenge me? |
Bible Answer: Always remember that they are blinded by the lord of this world. They challenge you because they do not see what we see clearly. We have been shown the light. You speak to them in love, and this is a good thing. No matter what, continue this behavior. 1) Matt 5:43-48 You have heard that it has been said, "You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy." But I say to you, "Love your enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for those that despitefully use you ..." 2) John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. In answer to the direct question, "How much should I rebuke," let me attempt an answer with as much sincerity as I can: If you don't know the answer to the question, the answer is "never." If you don't have the knowledge to answer such a question, then you don't have the knowledge to be rebuking anyone for anything. Do you understand what I mean? "Rebuke" is a dangerous thing that comes terribly close to "Judgement," and you don't want to judge anyone. (Rom 2:1; Jms 4:12) It is ugly and un-Christian-like, and if you don't know where the line is between rebuke and judgement, you run the risk of driving someone away. Further, you SHOULD respect their right to choose. If they are challenging what you say, it is your responsibility to study to show yourself a workman approved of God (2 Tim 2:15); prepared in season and out, always, to give an answer for the hope you have (1 Pet 3:15). If the answers are out there and available (and they are), and you don't know them, is it THEIR fault they don't believe you? Or is it yours for not being prepared? In either case, you are doing well. Treat them with a spirit of love, which is your silent witness to them. Be patient. Be accommodating within the bounds of reason. Be eager to instruct. Don't judge. Don't knit pick or make them feel worthless. Just witness with love and truth and let God do the rest. God bless, brother. P.S. Never give up on them. While there is life, there is hope (Ecc 9:4). |