Dealing with the disrespectful as a Christian

When living as a Christian, you're going to run into people who don't agree with your outlook on life. People who choose to walk a different path, or think Christianity is too old fashion to be relevant in this day and age, or who even question the existence of God. Disagreements such as those are fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinion after all (no matter how woefully misguided it might be). 

But, when those disagreements verge into the disrespectful, profane, or abusive - as they  unfortunately all too commonly do - you need to be prepared for them and know how to react.

The natural response when someone is rude to you is to be rude right back. They snap at you, so you snap at them. As Christians though, the burden is on us to rise above pettiness and set a better example. This doesn't mean you have to be a doormat and meekly accept hurtful comments or insulting jabs, nobody has the right to make you feel small for your beliefs or views. But, it does mean we have to be thoughtful in our responses.

When dealing with the disrespectful, patience is your greatest ally. As it says in Proverbs 14:29 " Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” Letting some nasty comment get under your collar and provoke you into a rash response will only bring you down into the muck. 

Patience is always a virtue, but it is especially handy when dealing with ignorant or spiteful people. If you can ignore a slight, or allow a hot moment to pass without escalating a confrontation, so much the better. People will respect a dignified presence more than a flustered comeback.

Of course, there is a point where patience expires. If someone insists on pushing the issue, don't be afraid to stand for your beliefs. Don't feel bullied into keeping quiet or downplaying your faith, even if it means creating a little friction. If someone is being disrespectful or condescending, tell them calmly, but firmly, that you find their comments offensive and small minded. Remember the lesson that Peter learned. The unbearable shame and guilt of denying Christ out of convenience. Don't let the same guilt lay on your soul.

And if your speaking up or sticking up for yourself  offends them, so be it. Jesus offended plenty of people over the course of His ministry as well. Being a good Christian doesn't mean pleasing everyone all the time.

When confronted by a big mouthed blowhard who is trying to inflate his own ego at the expense of you or your faith, it's very easy to write them off as an irredeemable. But, while it is difficult, it always helps to try and adopt Jesus' perspective.

Jesus didn't give himself up willingly to crucifixion just to save the polite and pleasant of the human race. If he did, we'd all probably be in trouble. No, Jesus died for the flawed, the imperfect, the disrespectful mess that humanity is – including whoever is getting under your skin today. 

Stand up for yourself, speak truth to power, but try to never write anyone off. There are plenty of Christians out there who came to Christ after many years of laughing Him off.