Gently apologetic

Defending the Christian faith is called 'apologetics'. Sometimes its debates and rationales can get pretty heated. But there are many people and organisations that do apologetics really well.

So how can we do it well? Well, there's a huge difference between disagreeing with someone and attacking them for thinking differently. The latter is: (a) what God calls us not to do and (b) never an effective way to get people to re-think their opinion. Yes, when we're comfortable that our stance is godly, we can have confidence. But taking care with how we share our message is so important. When we leave someone with a nasty memory of our interaction, it usually does not help to win them over. In 2 Timothy 2:25 NLT we read how to approach people in apologetic conversation: 'Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth.' Take notice of the words 'gently instruct'.

A discussion will only go God's way when we invite him into it, let him lead our words and do our best to behave as he would. It's not our clever arguments that will change someone's mind. It's God's words on our lips and his work in their hearts and minds.



So what now? In future conversations about your faith, remember to ask Jesus in and to be gentle, as he is. As Romans 12:4 says: 'It is God's kindness that is trying to lead you to him and change the way you think and act'.





— SCRIPTURE —

'The Lord's servant must not quarrel.' 2 Timothy 2:24 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Neh 1-4, Mark 11:27-33, Ps 27, Pro 23:16-18