We shouldn’t be shocked or take offense when non-Christians mock our faith and beliefs. Jesus was not only mocked for His teachings but hated and ultimately crucified. Yet, before he died, He warned us that people would also hate us because of our faith in Him. It is something we MUST expect and accept. It is the high cost of being a disciple. When we become followers of Jesus, we give up popularity, acceptance, and even sympathy. I am not sure about you, but as a Christian, I do not live for people’s approval. I understand that I should never expect those who don’t know Christ as Lord and Savior to respect my faith let alone agree with my convictions regarding worldviews, especially when it comes to morality.

“…mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts.” 2 Peter 3:3.

According to this verse, mockery is a common characteristic of this fallen world. There will always be those who mock God, Jesus, the Bible, the church, and anyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus. I am personally encouraged when I see and hear this type of “persecution” directed at me or at Christianity as a whole because I know it’s part of the troubles Jesus warned we would have to endure (John 16:33). And because I also know that it can and will get worse. After all, Paul said,

“All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).

We should never respond with backlash and anger, especially on social media, when people insult our faith. This world is full of haters, all it needs is for “Christians” to join the group. I have no idea why some Christians think we have to jump in the ring and scream like everyone else to prove our point. First of all, the world already knows what we are against, they either have no idea what we are for or don’t really understand it because we fail to effectively communicate it. And second, that was definitely not the way Jesus confronted opposition/sin. He did quite the opposite. He did it with love and compassion. His rebuke was always for those who thought they were righteous/holy simply because they followed rituals (church dogmas). The Bible tells us that when Jesus was being attacked,

“He did not revile back; when He suffered, He did not threaten.” 1 Peter 2:23.

When we are mocked, we must first realize who is actually behind it all.

“For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” (Ephesians 6:12).

This should help us to keep our cool and bite our lips if what we are inclined to say just adds wood to the fire. It is said that we shouldn’t let angry people push our buttons. But I would go a step further and say that we shouldn’t have buttons they can press to begin with! Self-control allows God to give us wise words if we let His love control our tongues.

“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!” “Psalm 141:3–5.

We have to pray for those who hate, persecute, mock, and slander us. Jesus said it best in Matthew 5:43-44.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

Most of us will say, “Amen!” but how many of us actually follow that commandment without first giving them a piece of our “redeemed” mind either in thought or in a post? Yes, including me.

Before we react to the words or actions of those who advocate immorality, let us adjust our hearts before God and be reminded that Jesus said we must love and pray for those who attack us. Praying for those who are hostile to our moral convictions will enable us to see them from God’s perspective. He loves people (sinners and righteous alike) even those who mock Him or don’t believe in Him. So should we. After we have corrected our attitude, we will be more inclined to say words that are inspired by the Holy Spirit. And by doing this, people will have an opportunity to see and hear, perhaps even consider, not what we are against, but what we are in favor of.

Oh, and for those who use Matthew 21:12 & 13 (out of context and without proper exegesis) as a rebuttal to not being offended, just a reminder that this zealous outburst was due to an irreverent act committed by Jews, who were supposed to know better. Jesus NEVER retaliated against sinners. He never showed up at a Roman or Greek event to denounce their “sinful” acts.

I wrote another devotion that addresses this very same topic. If you haven’t already, I recommend you read it. Here is the link. https://words-to-ponder.blog/…/speak-kindly-or-remain…/