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Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. (The Apostle Paul in Philemon 1:8-9)

In the last few years social media has emboldened many people to speak up on current issues who would otherwise just watch from the sidelines. Though this can be a good thing, it has also opened the door to misunderstandings, confusion, and increased division among believers. Even sincere Christians can get caught up in sending out sensational sound-bites and mocking memes in order to make their point.

Though it is certainly good that more believers are finding their voice to speak their convictions, I would suggest considering the Apostle Paul’s admonition to appeal to those who are wandering in the dark, rather than to attack their views. We can’t force a decision upon someone we disagree with and must learn the art of appealing to their conscience if we truly love them.

Things in this nation, and in the Church, are not going to change long-term until mindsets change. We won’t change anyone’s mind until we reach their heart. When someone is holding fast to an ungodly belief system or skewed perception of God, they are usually convinced they are right. Our job is to help them change their mind. Our response should cause them to think twice before arriving at a conclusion. If we want to champion God’s Word as the standard for all life and governance, we need to be thoroughly equipped and prepared to lead people to the truth rather than forcing them to accept our version of it.

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:23-26)

As we engage with others in this politically divisive culture, I would like to offer several key principles in appealing to those walking in the dark:

  1. Value them as human beings. Rather than assuming they are purposely trying to deceive others, approach them as individuals who simply may not have all the information needed to make an informed decision. Respect them as fellow citizens and purpose to hear them out before assuming you know what they mean.
  2. Value their perspective. Take the time to ask questions and hear their story. You will usually find that they have a reason for what they believe. One of the most powerful tools in building bridges with others is to validate their concerns. Do you know what they are? Can you give credence to any good points they may bring up, even if it leads to a different conclusion than yours?
  3. Present them with new and valid information. Those who are locked in a limited or unhealthy perspective need a different outlook. We can’t do this by merely reciting our own opinions, but must present valid information with proven fruit that backs up our belief. Especially when appealing to a fellow believer, the Word of God must be the anchor of any and all truth. We may need to do more homework so that we don’t simply throw out a verse or two to prove our point. When we understand Kingdom principles and their broader application, we can bring others up to a higher vantage point for a larger vision and bigger purpose.

We can’t pray for someone we openly judge or criticize. If we sense an underlying demonic influence at work, we need to separate the spiritual warfare from the individual being deceived. The god of this age has blinded hearts and minds and most people under attack don’t even realize it. This is why it is critical to appeal to their hearts so they can see the lie for themselves and break the enemy’s hold of their own free will.

Lastly, as the Adversary continues to advance his cause to stir up division and strife in the nation and in the Church, we must determine to focus on those issues that are core and central to our faith. This is what will bring the greatest oneness to the Body of Christ and authority in our prayers. Some issues of interpretation and personal preference may need to be pushed to the back burner until we can agree on the non-negotiables of our faith.

Let’s pray that we can work through our differences and call each other higher into God’s plans and purposes. Let’s pray for those who are being blinded and deceived, that the Spirit would draw them to the truth. Let’s pray that we might be conduits of reconciliation and have the same grace the Apostle Paul did to appeal to others in a way that will have collective impact on the earth.

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Karen Secrest
April 16, 2019

With a background in “Christian” Psychology, I need to be reminded that my viewpoint needs constant review for a successful approach to those who have issues, demonic included, as well as those who happen to agree with my views.
Regards and Thanks for adding the positive to my day!

Sarah
April 15, 2019

This article was “just in time” for me. My husband and another guy at our church got into an argument on social media the other day about vaccines. IFA has an amazing article, cite and sourced, on the history of aborted baby DNA being used in vaccines. This guy at our church fiercely attacked my husband, saying all sorts of nasty things. My husband exercised an enormous amount of restraint, trying to appeal to him with facts, and finally settled on telling the guy that his views were ignorant. So, of course, the guy complains to our pastor that my husband called him stupid (not what he did). And now our pastor wants to have reparative conversations between them. However, the other guy believes he is completely in the right and has an unrepentant heart. I was up for an hour last night, trying to pray myself down from fretting about this. It’s all so unnecessary. “Foolish and stupid” as the Apostle Paul said. It is comforting to me that my husband at least started out with the right tactic, but it is work to keep to it! Some people won’t listen, even to the appeal, and it takes wisdom to know how to navigate those situations, especially about something that matters deeply. May Yahweh bless us with discernment, spiritual insight, and wisdom to handle these tricky situations. I would appreciate your prayers for a peaceful resolution to this.

Barbara Ann Betz
April 13, 2019

Truth

FCJ
April 13, 2019

Thanks for the compassionate plea. However, many have been so wounded, & our fleshly emotions (seen in strongly held personal preferences) are so “front & central” to “our will being done”,that we lack the will to repent/ turn, humble ourselves, pray & seek Gods will. This must precede ‘determining to focus on those issues that are core and central to our faith’. Only then can we- (especially faith leaders who teach & “preach”) will become convicted enough to focus on the non negotiables of our faith in Christ.

CYNTHIA Snyder
April 13, 2019

I so appreciate the words of truth and wisdom that the Lord speak through Wanda Alger. As I read this insightful exhortation, the scripture in Proverbs 4:7 came to mind. In the NIV it reads ” wisdom is supreme therefore get wisdom though it cost all you have get understanding.”

In the NKJV it reads “wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom and in all you’re getting get understanding.”

We are to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves. The Kingdom principles that Wanda shares encourage me to seek Holy Spirit forgrace and an increase in wisdom and understanding so I may walk with the Lord in his higher ways,and truly participate in the Lord’s ministry of reconciliation.

Becky
April 13, 2019

Heavenly Father, I pray for your wisdom and discernment. May we hear and obey the guidance of Holy Spirit to live and speak truth from a position of compassion, seeing hearts through Your eyes. Let us know when to speak, when to pause. Let us engage in a manner that honors You, brings glory to You. I pray for blessings and protection over those who obey and act for Your will here on Earth.

Laraine
April 12, 2019

Timely truth and very well stated! Prayer is the power source of change in another as well as ourselves

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