While trying to defend my faith, I have found a few things to be helpful when I'm in the middle of a heated discussion.
1. 1. Be calm. Keep focused. 2 Timothy 4:5
“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship,
do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
2. 2. Always be ready. Be gentle and respectful.1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to
everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do
this with gentleness and respect.”
3. 3. Be patient. 2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some
understand slowness. He is patient with
you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
4. 4. Be merciful. Jude 22
“Be merciful to those who doubt.”
5. 5. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and
slow to anger. James 1:19
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to
speak and slow to become angry.”
6. 6. Be controlled. Titus 3:9
“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and
arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and
useless.”
7. 7. Be holy. Hebrews 12:14
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be
holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
As we
are calm and focused on Jesus, ready to share, gentle, respectful, patient,
merciful, are quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
controlled and holy...others will see Jesus in us and many will be saved.
Matthew
28:17-20
“When they saw
him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said,
‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very
end of the age.’”
Understand some will
doubt. Realize that Jesus has all power
and authority in heaven and on earth. Because He does...go, make converts of all, baptize them and teach them
to be obedient and know that the Holy Spirit goes with you always.
