This week on Geek Devotions, we take a pause from our Summer Serial Event to talk about something interesting. Angry Christians… In the midst of media attacks from media outlets, it’s easy for Christians to become frustrated and mad at situations and people. But are they really helping the kingdom of God?
With all the current amount of negative attention that Christians get nowadays, it’s easy for Christians to become cynical and spiteful. Make no bones about it, Christians have been misquoted, misrepresented and misinterpreted in a variety of inappropriate ways. But that doesn’t mean that some in the church haven’t legitimately done and said inappropriate things.
The issue is that in the midst of the anger and bitterness, some have become “Angry Christians” who have made very ungodly statements and held onto some very ungodly resentments in the name of “righteous indignation.” They speak about “liberal” and “leftist” individuals with so much hate and disgust that one could wonder if they believe God’s grace was indeed sufficient for all.
So what should our response be? When we think about these individuals and encounter them, how should we respond? While you’ll have to watch the video above to see my full thoughts, I’d like to quickly point out the words of the Apostle Paul for you. Before you read them, remember that Paul is someone who has suffered more than any of us in the name of Jesus and has every right to be angry and hateful towards unbelievers…
“For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.”
Philippians 3:18
Here Paul reveals a portion of his heart. He’s not speaking with anger and hate when he writes this line. Instead, he is speaking from a place of brokenness. He knows that these individuals are not serving the Lord and he knows their final destination… Hell. Being a good Jewish man, Paul is reminded of a passage in Ezekiel (EZ:33:11) where it is revealed that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but would instead they turn to God. With that line undoubtedly echoing in the heart of Paul, he’s heartbroken for these people.
We need to respond the same way. Being angry and spiteful doesn’t help the Kingdom but more than likely acts a stumbling block. Should we stand as a stumbling block on the road to God for too long, God himself will remove us. This week we would challenge to examine your heart and examine your actions. Are you one of those “Angry Christians” who is always speaking with hate and anger? Or are you like Paul, heartbroken about those who are lost and going to hell?
Check out the full episode above for more on this and leave us some comments letting us know your thoughts.
Totally agree. Look, unfortunately most Americans claim they are Christian but that doesn’t matter. Jesus said to look at people’s fruit. I know the following verses mention false prophets, but it can be attributed to any person claiming to be a Christian. I agree that sometimes I wonder if they are even believers. As followers of Christ, we are to reflect His heart and forgiveness. If people are always angry and upset, even cussing at each other and insulting, there’s no way that the love of God is in that person.
Matthew 7:15-20 New King James Version (NKJV)
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.