by Julia Post
Ever felt hurt that someone acted in a way you felt was wrong or unfair? Only to then be even more crushed when you find out that person was a Christian and you felt like they should know better?!
It happens. You’re not perfect, and I’m not perfect. We know that, but it doesn’t make it less painful when people fall short of the standard from time to time.
How do you react when a Christian doesn’t act like a Christian? What is the right response?
- Don’t use them as an excuse. You are accountable to God for what you are supposed to be doing, regardless of what other people do. We can’t let our feelings or our decisions ride on other people’s actions. Own up to your life and don’t get sidetracked by other people’s sidetracks.
Romans 14:12 - Understand that everyone is fighting their own battles. Everyone is going through something. Everybody has had a bad day. Sow mercy so you can receive it when you need it — because you will!
Ephesians 4:32 - Remember that there’s a side you don’t see. Pray to see every situation the way God sees it. Believe the best instead of believing everything you hear. Philippians 4:8
- Don’t let hurt stay. Don’t let bitterness take root. Put the past in the past. Focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith!
Isaiah 43:18 - Talk to the person. The Bible is all about that. In Matthew 18:15 it says to go to a brother and talk to him! It is up to that person, of course, on whether or not they will receive it. But at least you have done your part to walk in peace.
- Don’t judge. It’s a sure way for us to avoid judgement ourselves. And then forgive. What if they don’t repent? What if they keep doing the wrong thing? Not your problem. Two wrongs never make a right.
Matthew 7:3-4 - Pray. Talk to God — not other people — about the situation. Matthew 5:44 says to pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you. Also pray the prayer in Ephesians 1:18 in for the eyes of their heart to be enlightened.
It can be disheartening to be on the receiving end of the mistakes that Christians make in life. Even Paul scolded Christians in Corinth for being selfish and insecure. If it happened then, it will happen again; guard your heart and trust God.
The bottom line is that even when things happen, and people act in ways we don’t understand, we cannot act the wrong way in response to them and still be right. It starts with us responding correctly, believing the best, and looking to Jesus!
You can do it!
Hebrews 12:12 “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of