Ecclesiastes 9:1

¹The righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them.

Dallas Willard was once asked, “Why are Christians so mean?” He said that Christians are mean in proportion to when they value being “right” over being “like Christ.” It’s not enough to simply believe correct doctrine; as God’s chosen people, we are asked to behave a certain way, particularly as it relates to others: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col. 3:12-14). The book of Romans also sets up a high standard for believers, telling us to “be devoted to one another in brotherly love” (12:10), “never be wise in your own sight” (12:16) and keep in mind that “love does no harm to its neighbor” (13:10). So, in our relations with anyone we are to be devoted to their overall welfare, to not be overly confident in our opinion, and to never do anyone any harm. There’s no room here for any “Bible believing” Christian to be mean.

Not a few Christians are confused between being right with God and being right in their own eyes. Know that nobody is saved by logic and reasons. When we point out the mistakes of unbelievers, it cannot force them to believe in Christ. It is after putting faith in Christ that believers understood and accept mistakes and repent. Godly commands can be understood and applied with the help of the Spirit of God. So, it’s futile to argue with people without faith. The Lord Jesus declared in Acts 1:8, ⁸ You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… It is implied that after we receive power from His Spirit, we witness for Christ subsequently. Avoid argument with unbelievers. It’s not wise. Ask for God’s empowerment first and foremost, and you’ll be Christ’s witness.

Lord Jesus, fill and empower me with Your Spirit!

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