What is the resource about?
-Sauls comments that how we treat each other is too often characterized by conflict, a critical spirit, cruelty, and cancel culture tendencies. We love to judge, especially when we are behind the screen of a computer. And that is referring to the Christians in our society, not the general public. So, how ought Christians respond to one another when dealing with controversial topics such as vaccines, masking, abortion, gay rights, trans rights, etc. A good answer is to ‘turn your eyes upon Jesus/look full in His wonderful face,’ or, to put it another way, ‘looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God’ (Heb. 12:2). How did the Lord Jesus respond to most people? He was characterized by gentleness (A soft [gentle] answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).
Why is it important?
-During the last two (Covid) years, I have found myself being uncharitable to people (for the most part, for which I am thankful, only in the quiet recesses of my mind). How do we model our Christian character to society? How should we? Notice I am talking about our character and not our faith. Sauls gives us a good reminder to provide a gentle answer and thereby create a bridge to those we are talking to.
What should I do?
-How often is it our first instinct to respond with a harsh answer. Giving a gentle answer will not only turn away wrath, but will help create and strengthen a relationship. Re-read the Gospels and note the many times the Lord Jesus answered gently when he was attacked. Also note how winsome that attitude was. If we want to actually be heard, following in Jesus’ footsteps will be both a good strategy to gain a hearing as well as be a good testimony for our Lord.
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