Do you ever get tired of fighting? The decimal level of the national conversation is shrill. As soon as one controversial issue dies down another is resurrected in its place. It’s hard to listen when everyone is red-faced, eyes-bulging angry. What is a Christian response in such an environment?
Jesus and the Spirit of Antagonism
Jesus argued with his adversaries — Sometimes voraciously. Jesus said, “I am the truth …” (John 8:21). He said, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 10:10). The truth was extremely important to Jesus. He wanted to share it. Through his example, we can learn how to share our truth in a way that honors God.
A Christian Response to Pro-Choice
In my last blog article, I made the biblical case for a pro-life stance against abortion on demand (CLICK HERE to read it). Here are a few Jesus guidelines for the way you respond to those who disagree with you on the abortion issue (or any other issue).
1. Be Kind
But the fruit of the spirit is … kindness” (Gal. 5:22).
You can disagree with someone and still be kind to them. You can passionately argue with someone and still treat them with kindness.
The best way to accomplish this is to separate the person from the issue. You are not fighting against the person — you are fighting against the idea. Attack the idea all you want — never attack the person. Ad Hominem arguments have no place in Christian dialogue. They are a sign of weakness and desperation.
You can hate abortion and still be kind to the abortionist. You can abhor the philosophy behind a pro-choice argument and still be kind to the person who holds such a view.
And if you can’t — then the spirit of Christ is not in you.
Jesus said of those who were “aborting” his life — “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 25:32).
2. Be Honest
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips” (Prov. 24:26).
Jesus taught his disciples to be straightforward and honest. He told them to avoid hyperbole and complicated answers. Let your “yes” be “yes,” and your “no” be “no,” Jesus said (Matt. 5:37). In other words, say what you mean and mean what you say. Anything beyond that is garbage.
This impacts your response in three ways.
- Be honest with the person you disagree with.
Tell them what you really think (don’t forget #1 above). You have a voice in the national conversation and you should be allowed to express it. Even if your voice is increasingly a minority voice — all the more reason to shout it from the mountaintop. Be honest about what you feel and think.
- Be honest with yourself.
Self-examination should be a consistent part of your voice. If your voice starts to get too shrill — be honest about your emotions and your motivations.
- Be honest with the facts.
In the digital age “facts” are at our fingertips. Be diligent in checking them. Avoid hyperbole. Avoid inflating the numbers to bolster your argument.
Be careful about the human temptation to unquestioningly embrace the facts that bolster your views and casually dismiss all facts that go against your view. Be honest with the facts.
3. Be Forgiving
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Co. 3:13).
This is essential for any Christian debate or argumentation. The person you are arguing with might not be as kind as you — they may not even be a Christian. So, a healthy dosage of forgiveness is essential for your own health.
Harboring bitterness and anger against another person is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.
Be forgiving — for your own sake.
The truth is — humility demands a forgiving spirit. Whatever you are arguing — you could be wrong — if not on the major premise, on minor ones.
Christians have been wrong in the past. It could happen again. And even if you are not wrong about this issue— you have been wrong about other things — so, be willing to forgive.
4. Be a Part of the Solution
But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds” (James 2:18).
All talk and no action is a big turnoff. You will never convince someone with a life of hypocrisy. In fact, your words have a chance of convincing, but your actions will speak much louder than your words.
I have a strong suspicion that many Christians who shout and scream and condemn those who are pro-choice, have never given a penny to an adoption agency or a Christian Counseling Center or an organization working on prevention.
How many who volunteer to hold a sign in front of Planned Parenthood have volunteered consistent hours at a teen pregnancy center that helps young girls find a way around abortion?
Too few, I suspect.
You earn the right to speak when you act. Be a part of the solution.
Unfortunately, the abortion issue will be with us for years to come. And when we solve this one I have no doubt another will take its place. We must learn to have a healthy, vigorous debate in a way that honors God.
I hope these thoughts help us on our way.
